South Georgia April 2017 Edition

Looking At Warriors on the Court, The End Goal Leaders in it All Meg Torbert Pacelli School

Thomas Harrison and Rachel Cooper Brookwood School

Cairo Pitcher Keeps His Eye on The Dream, Commits to play College Baseball At The University of Georgia

#7

Hall Returns Home for Another Title and FirstRound Future

#11

D.L. Hall / Valdosta High

#22

Dynamite Comes in Small Packages Octavious Fudge/ Lowndes High

Fast Breaks

GHSA Rule Change Brings New Intrigue to Spring Football

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

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IN THE

APRIL/MAY 2017

Silly Season Continues: For More Than One Reason

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ARE YOU In?

D.L. Hall Valdosta HIgh School

South Georgia

In the Game Pressure is only as real as you let it be.

Fear only operates off the power you give it.

Over-prepare. Overcome.

Cole Parker

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF In The Game | 5

In this Issue 09. Publisher’s Page 16. Hall Returns Home for Another Title and First-Round Future D.L. Hall / Valdosta High School

24. On Her Way to Becoming Elite Elyssa Roberts / Tift County High School

28. Warriors on the Court,

Leaders in it All Rachel Cooper and Thomas Harrison / Brookwood School

32. Cairo Pitcher Keeps His Eye On the Dream,

Commits to Play College Baseball AT THE University OF Georgia Emerson Hancock / Cairo High School

36. 10 Questions with Marty Richburg Northside High School

37. Dynamite Comes in Small Packages Octavious Fudge / Lowndes High School

40. Self-motivator, Team-motivator, LCHS Freshman Exemplifies What a Student-Athlete Should be Seth Nelson / Lee County High School

43. Looking at the End Goal Meg Torbert / Pacelli High School

Fast Breaks

14. GHSA Rule Change Brings New Intrigue to Spring Football 50. Silly Season Continues: For More Than One Reason

46. Uniting Faith and Sports Margo Rainey / Thomasville High School

51. FCA Seeks to Minister to Female Coaches and Athletes 53. Young Golfer Teeing Up For Future Mason McLaney / Glenwood Middle School

55. The Opportunity To Do More Winston Peterson / Clinch County

56. Columbus To Be The Site Of Four GHSA State Golf Championships 59. Pine Grove Middle’s Triple Threat TJ Quinn, Zavion Anthony and Josh Inman

61. Red Devils Duo Pitching Their Way to the Next Level

Evan Baber and Tanner Belcher / Central High School

In The Game | 7

LIVING IN THE GAME Yulissa Arescurenaga spent years memorizing dance routines and practicing for six hours a day in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a licensed Zumba instructor.

Now, she is the first Zumba instructor with Down syndrome. Her dedication and passion for her sport is what it means to live In the Game.

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From the Publisher Winter sports in Georgia have finally come to a close, but not without South Georgia crowning some champions.

Congratulations to the Tift County Blue Devils and Pelham Lady Hornets for winning state championships in their respective classifications! Both teams capped off incredible seasons with the title and a trophy, representing South Georgia well in a sport typically dominated by North Georgia schools. You can look forward to reading more about their championship seasons, as well as all our other 2016-17 champions, in our upcoming Year in Review Edition in June.

But before we get there, we are in the prime of spring sports. Baseball, tennis, soccer, track and field, and golf have all stepped into the limelight, and rightfully so. South Georgia is once again proving to be a hotbed of athletic talent and intense competition, as made apparent by a number of the stories scattered throughout these pages.

But it isn’t just about their athletics; while their talents may bring them to the center of conversation, it is their character, work ethic, support systems, and drive that

will make them successful in life. On the field, in the classroom, and around the community, being In the Game isn’t about being in our magazine; it’s about living In the Game.

We are looking for people who understand what it means to passionately persevere, inspire, and strive for greatness in all areas of life. In short, we are looking for people who understand what it means to BE In the Game.

So, the question is: Are you in?

Our mission is simple: to inspire your inner athlete toward the passionate pursuit of excellence, on and off the field. So, if you know of a player, coach, or fan who is deserving of recognition, head to our website and officially nominate that story!

We thank you for your continued support of your local athletic programs and In the Game Sports Network. Follow us on social media @InTheGameNation and visit us at www.InTheGameSportsNetwork.com in order to #StayInTheGame!

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In the Game is published bi-monthly excluding July. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2016 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Cole Parker Magazine Director Brittany K. Wyche Graphics Brittany K. Wyche Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography George McDuffie Jerry Christenson Emmanuel Magbanua Brittany K. Wyche Feature Writers Zack Pine Beth Welch Cole Parker Sarah Turner Anna Limoges Jon Nelson Lambert Bales Miranda Moore Copy Editors Cole Parker Anna Limoges Beth Welch Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Brittany K. Wyche brittany@itgsportsnetwork.com Cole Parker cole@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker

In The Game | 9

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Cole Parker

Brittany k. Wyche

Mandy Douthit

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Magazine director

Graphic Designer

Founder and CEO Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivalled commitment towards high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game Sports Network.

As a recent Cornell University graduate, Cole dove head first into the working world by taking on a leadership position with In the Game. As the Chief Operations Officer, he has come on board to manage all business operations, digital development, and company expansion.

Combining his experience in entrepreneurship and marketing with his extensive sports background, Cole is looking forward to further establishing and growing In the Game Sports Network.

It takes a lot of talent and drive to handle the graphic design workload here at ITG, but we found the perfect fit in Brittany. Starting her collegiate career as a soccer player at ABAC, she decided to transfer to Wiregrass in order to study Design and Media Production.

Since then, she purchased her own design computer for freelance, but ITG has provided her the perfect opportunity to combine her love for sports and art.

Mandy recently made the move from Pine Mountain, Georgia, to Valdosta in order to join the ITG corporate team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design.

Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, and now she will be bringing those skills to In the Game.

aNNA Limoges

Sarah Turner

Lambert Bales

Zack Pine

Copy editor

Contributing Writer

Contributing writer

Contributing Writer

Anna is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major at Valdosta State University. She started working with In the Game Sports Network in early 2016 and lends her editorial eye to the words that grace ITG’s pages. She enjoys the meticulous process of copy editing and plays an important role in making each story and magazine the best it can be.

After receiving an English degree from Valdosta State University, Sarah worked at ITG for two years before moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee. She believes sports shape the lives of young people and enjoys interviewing the featured athletes. Sarah ran competitively in high school and at VSU, and she still runs today. She is now the sales coordinator at Porsche of Chattanooga and is chasing after a B.S. in nursing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The Atlanta native and VSU alumnus has played a role within In the Game since 2015. Beginning as a marketing intern, Lambert’s main tasks were to keep all digital platforms active and up to date.

As his responsibilities began to increase, he was given the opportunity to lead the way on numerous assignments across the entire scope of operations.

He has continued to show his versatility by producing fresh, stimulating content for the South Georgia magazine.

In May of 2016, Zack Pine received his B.A. in History and joined our staff at In the Game. After graduation, Zack decided to stay in Valdosta to pursue his M.A. in teaching and to write for our South Georgia region. He hopes to use his time at ITG to focus not just on athletics itself but also the bigger picture issues in athletics. We look forward to his interesting writing for South Georgia.

Micki Krzynski

Marque Milla Reese

George McDuffie

Jerry Christenson

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

When it comes to loyalty to In the Game, it is hard to top Micki. Since the very beginning of In the Game Magazine, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/ assistant, Jake, have become our goto photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG’s photography forward.

Marque “Milla” Reese was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always had a vision to see things differently than others as he drew out his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer. With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka Reese, Milla is living out that dream as a key member of ITG.

George may have retired from the Muscogee County School system in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t staying busy. With a background in Business Management, a love for the Auburn Tigers, and knack for photography, George has been able to capture amazing sports shots for our Columbus Valley schools. We are always excited to have George’s photos featured in our magazines!

In an area as expansive as the Chattahoochee Valley, covering it with great stories and photography is no easy task. Thanks to Jerry, however, In the Game continues to be able to do each story justice. Teaming up with Beth Welch, the Area Editor, he is part of the tag team that makes it all happen.

Jerry’s experience in photography and familiarity with the local sports scene make him a vital piece of the ITG puzzle.

10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

What to look forward to: VHS SENIOR

SPENDS SEMESTER

TIMOTHY HUFF

| VALDOSTA

TRAINING, PLAYING

HIGH SCHOOL

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

JORDAN

SOCCER

CONNOR THOMAS

ATHLETE

WALDO REGION TITLE EDWARDS

Year In Review Pierce

SOCCER IN SPAIN

10 QUESTIONS WITH

ENDURANCE KEITH SEIFERT PAYS TONY MORALES OFF FOR STATE WRESTLING | CENTRAL HIGH CHAMP SCHOOL

S MAKE

SEASON First AND ANDRES GOAL Win Fuels ESPINOZA Desire For More Rivals United Geisle Valdos r Lownd ta and Dameo es High n’s Dameon

Nyana

VALWOOD’S

NEW TRAINING FACILITY TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

D1 SIGNEES

Inspir

Bainbridg

ation

e High

Remembering Colton Shaw

School

PLUS The Great

Story

Never

est

Lowndes Told BasketbalHigh Women’s l

Sig g Day Lovnin e Gam e

Davis Stewart

Columbus Area Editor

Courtney is an established professional in the world of communications, sports, marketing, and digital media. She received her degree from Florida State University while studying communications and business. Courtney is the Director of ITG for the North Florida region and is in charge of all operations, focusing on producing the magazine and TV show. She is a strong reporter for the show and writer for the magazine. Her positive attitude, work ethic, and experience make her an ideal Director.

Beth has been a part of the ITG Team since 2009 when she began writing for the Columbus Valley edition of In the Game. Now, she heads up all of the Chattahoochee Valley content as Area Editor. Having children who participated in sports in local high schools and later were collegiate athletes, Beth has been involved in athletics in the area for many years, making her the perfect fit for her current role.

Jon Nelson

Daniel Horne

Contributing Writer

Lead videographer

Jon Nelson has been in TV for 27 years based in Atlanta. He graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in political science. Twenty-four of those years have been at GPB as a host and Senior Correspondent- writing five books with more on the way! He is blessed with a far-morepretty wife, Patty, and his two furry children- a Pekingese named Trooper and a cat that acts more like a dog, Trouble.

Daniel joined the ITG Team as an intern in August of 2015, but due to his clear drive to better himself as a professional, he worked his way into a full time position by January 2016. Since then, he has used his passion and talents to lead our videography department; so when you see our ITG videos on TV, DVD, or social media, you can thank Daniel for that.

with:

Facts &

| Lowndes

High School

Figures: Tydreke Thomas School Hand Middle

The Helping

Hahira

Georgia Allen of Dylan Jarvis for South Amanda Lee the Sport High School Buford

Young Runners

Who Could

coaches in Change veteran three U.S. Navy team to top

makes gymnast Tift Countyimpact: Khloe Parker

Four

Athlete:

april 2016

Beth WElch

Jacksonville Area Director

rifle County Al Shuette the state:

immediate

May 2016

Courtney Wagner

Questions

10

Middle School

Worth

senior is

County

headed to

AUBURN Anfernee

McLemore

Making Waves

Michael Weatherby

Lowndes High

School

Third Generation

Alexis Burns

Bearcats

2016

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:

VALWOOD, COLQUITT,

CLINCH

| Carver High

Athlete

School

Senior tyree Crump Commits to The Bulldogs | Bainbridge High School A Mountain

February

BARNES, MANAC TO IN THE GAME LIFE OF A COACH’S STAY WITH GEORGIA REBRANDING WIFE: MELISSA HOLLAND IN THE GAME’S SOUTH GEORGIA FOOTBALL AWARDS BANQUET

3

Jake Parker

To Climb

| Valwood School

Viking Duo

Tiberius Drocea and Gary Osby Pine Grove Middle School

PLAYING IN MEMORY: DEANDRE PIERCE

The Wildcat

Tradition:

JUNE 2016

It’s All About The Black and Gold

NEWEST MEMBE R OF THE LOS ANGELE S ANGELS Kaleb Cowart

March 2016

KCAB2BACK

January 2016

June - July 2017 2016-17 Year In Review Edition In June, we will be covering all of our favorite stories from the 2016-17 year!

Your High School Gridiron Guide

10

South Georgia’s Top Players to Watch

10

Columbus Valley’s Top players to Watch

Play Our ITG Pick’Em Challenge!

GHSA Appears Strong on a National Scale By the Numbers: North Georgia vs South Georgia

Find Your Team’s Preview Inside!

August 2016

SOUTH GEORGIA

August - September 2017 Preseason Football Edition

Vince Jupiter videography Intern The Lee County alumnus and current Valdosta State Mass Media major joined our intern team back in the summer of 2016, and Vince has since proven himself to be a talented and trustworthy addition to the staff. As one of the most senior interns, he has become just as much a member of the ITG Team as any, despite the unfortunate fact that he is an avid LSU and Saints fan.

Welcome back football season with extensive previews on each of South Georgia’s high school football programs!

BE IN THE GAME

A

Va Vic liant

Over tory Scott Cregge Ca r | Valwoonc er d School

In The Game | 11

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In The Game | 13

FAST BREAK

GHSA Rule Change Brings New Intrigue to Spring Football Writen by: Lambert Bales Photography by: Marque Milla Reese and Mike Chapman

Last April, when the GHSA gave its teams the ability to play their spring football games against each other, many heads turned and ears perked with varying levels of interest.

With this change comes differing perspectives that not only challenge the decision, but also question why this did not come about much sooner.

A lot will argue that these games will not be competitive.

Coaches are not digging into the depths of the playbook just to pull out a victory in a game in May, and rightfully so. However, the purpose of a spring scrimmage is to assess the talent and determi-

nation at their disposal in game-time scenarios.

Going against competition outside of the same squad creates a new look on how potential opponents can exploit weaknesses in the system. In turn this creates more optimism when something works.

The spring also allows for the chance to phase out seniors from the program without skipping a beat. It is never easy to find athletes who immediately step in and contribute when other guys who have been relied upon for years leave. One of the biggest advantages coming from this proposal gives coaches an idea of which kids truly love football and will lay it on the line for the team. It may not possess the same level of bragging rights as winning the same game in late October, nor will it ever. Although, know-

14 | itgsportsnetwork.com

ing that you have players who will bring the effort and heart to compete no matter when and where is a win in itself. No true competitor wants to concede any type of advantage to the opposition, even if it is the middle of the offseason.

An important aspect is the possibility of these games or jamborees being open to the public.

Unlike most high school sports, there are no home-away games in a football season. The addition of this game allows a team that may be the visitors in the regular season the chance to gain some profit by playing that same opponent in friendlier confines to finish out the spring. The amount of fundraising and awareness a game between two community rivals can generate right before the summer could be incredible. Attracting different

vendors and sponsors can become easier when there is a significant increase in attendance as opposed to past years under the previous legislation. These days, schools will host pep rallies just to hype an average spring game, but the potential of going head-to-head with a real opponent puts more on the line for the community to get behind.

The annual culmination of two weeks of demanding practice has evolved into something that is now a glorified pre-preseason game. While it will take time to tell if this decision by the GHSA proves to be fruitful, no one can deny the promising impact it can have on coaches, players, fans, and the community.

As we get closer and closer to spring ball, one of the confirmed matchups will be an early rendition of the Winnersville Classic. Valdosta, the reigning 6A champs, and

cross-town rival Lowndes will meet at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for a final run through before the summer hits. Both teams are coming off campaigns that exceeded expert expectations, and they will also meet for the first game of the 2017 season at Lowndes.

Additionally, there have been talks of Tift County, Brooks County, and Coffee County all getting together for a threeteam exhibition in May. These jamboree-style competitions may become the norm as they provides valuable experience outside of intrasquad scrimmages for many teams within the regional area.

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In The Game | 15

South Georgia is home to some of the most talented baseball players in our nation’s history. When you speak of South Georgia baseball, legends like Jackie Robinson and Bucky Dent come to mind. An influx of new talent has recently made its way to the top, such as Adam Wainwright, Josh Reddick, Byron Buxton, Lorenzo Cain, and the Drew brothers (JD and Stephen).

Dayton “D.L.” Hall, the left-handed pitcher and projected first round prospect from Valdosta High School, is considered to come from that same mold. The 6’2”, 180-pound senior is widely considered to be one of the best players in the nation, which is justified by his numerous All-American awards, full ride scholarship to Florida State University, and top 10 national rankings across nearly every prospect board. With a consistently mid-90’s fastball that has peaked at 97 mph, complimented by a deep arsenal of knee-buckling off-speed pitches, the left-handed pitcher is a lethal threat at every level of the game.

Hall Returns Home for Another Title and FirstRound Future Written by: Zack Pine | Photography by: Micki K Photography

16 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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However, greatness comes with a price. At the end of his ninthgrade year, Hall and his family made a difficult decision to move away from the Valdosta area.

“It was tough going away from all of my family and friends, but I knew it’s what I needed to do to get exposure for my baseball career,” Hall said.

Recognizing early on that his baseball talents presented serious career potential, this move was made to further maximize exposure to college scouts. They settled just south of Macon in the military town of Warner Robins. The primary motive, according to Hall and his family, was that it allowed him to more easily and frequently play with his travel baseball team.

“A big part in (the decision to move to Warner Robins) was me being able to play with my travel team, Chain Baseball, which is based out of the Warner Robins area,” Hall said. “That’s where I first met my teammates who encouraged me and my dad to make the move up there.”

Although his travel team took him north, Houston County High School reaped the benefits of that move. However, the Bears experienced some ups and downs, despite what was considered, a remarkably talented team.

“The year before I got there (2014), they won the state championship, and pretty much everyone was returning the next year, so I thought we were going to be really good,” Hall said. “Turns out we struggled a lot and ended up going 13-11 that year (2015) and completely missed the playoffs.

But last year (2016), we tore it up and ended up winning the state title, so it all worked out in the end.”

At the end of his junior year, with a scholarship all but locked up and a state championship ring on his hand, Hall decided to move back home for one more season with the hometown Valdosta Wildcats.

Information courtesy of lokeshdhakar.com/

18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“The reason I decided to come back home and play is because I wanted to be home for my senior year,” Hall said. “I wanted to be able to share the experience with my family and my friends, so my dad and I thought that it would

“The reason I decided to come back home and play is because I wanted to be home for my senior year. I wanted to be able to share the experience with my family and my friends.”

— D.L. Hall

be a good idea to come back home for my last year.”

For the Valdosta Wildcat coaches, players, and fans, his return was welcomed. The success that Hall has had throughout his career led him to be one of the most highly touted prep players in the nation. He has been named an Under Armour All-American, a Perfect Game All-American, and a USA Today All-American. He is the No. 4 rated recruit in the nation and has a high probability of being drafted in this year’s MLB Draft.

This level of national attention can create overwhelming pressure for an 18-year-old, yet Hall doesn’t seem to be phased by it.

“I’ve always had high

Awards/Rankings 2017 Rawlings-Perfect Game 1st Team All-American Southeast - All Region 1st Team PG Underclass All Americans/All Regions 2015 Underclass High Honorable Mention 2016 Underclass 1st Team No. 4 Draft Prospect According to PerfectGame.org (#1 in Georgia) No. 4 Draft Prospect According to BaseballAmerica.com (No. 1 in Georgia) No. 9 Draft Prospect According to MLB.com (No. 1 in Georgia) USA TODAY High School Sports All-USA Preseason Baseball Team GHSA 2015 AAAAA State Champion with Houston County High School

“I just play the game. It’s the same game that I’ve been playing since I was 3 years old, so I just enjoy playing, and I don’t worry about all of the outside pressure while I’m on the field.”

— D.L. Hall

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expectations placed on me ever since I was a kid,” Hall said. “Playing for Chain Baseball, there were always scouts at the games to check us out. When I first got to high school, I had college scouts coming in my freshman year, and the professional scouts started coming in my junior year, but I try my best not to let them or anything else affect me.

I just play the game. It’s the same game that I’ve been playing since I was

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3 years old, so I just enjoy playing, and I don’t worry about all of the outside pressure while I’m on the field.”

Not only has he remained composed through all the success and accolades, but Hall has remained humble.

“It’s just a blessing to be able to do this, you know?” Hall said with a smile. “To be able to play

the game that I love and to have a chance to play at the collegiate and potentially professional levels is just a dream come true for me.”

But Hall hasn’t been alone in this journey, nor is he the first to make it.

The players who went before him helped him learn the ropes of college recruiting, and he was fortunate enough to be surrounded by other top-tier South Georgia talent.

“Guys like Tony Locey, who plays at UGA now;

In The Game | 21

athletic awards banquet

In the Game’s South Georgia 2016-17 Athletic Awards Banquet MAY 18, 2017

To cap off the 2016-17 academic year, we are recognizing and honoring the top male and female athletes across every sport and classification at our annual banquet. Visit www.InTheGameSportsNetwork.com and follow us @InTheGameNation for more details regarding nominations, sponsorships, and attendance!

22 | itgsportsnetwork.com

or Tyler Daughtry, who’s coach who passed away best way I can.” tearing it up for Flori- when Hall was 14 years Hall signed with Florida da State; or even Jake old. Through these trag- State and plans to enroll Fromm, who just signed edies, Hall formed a re- once his senior season is to play football at UGA,” solve to work as hard and over, which he hopes isn’t Hall said. “Those guys re- to play as well as he pos- any time soon. ally helped me out and sibly can to honor their “It’s state championshowed me what recruit- memories. ship or bust for us,” Hall ing was like from said. “It would be their perspective, “To be able to play awesome to be able and it really helped to bring back a state the game that I championship to my me in my recruiting process as well.” hometown in my selove and to have nior D.L. Hall’s success, year.” a chance to play That short-term goal however, has been met with some adthe Valdosta Wildat the collegiate for versity. On his glove, cats is a real possibilhe has the phrase and potentially ity in front of them, “CS3” engraved. This but the journey for professional levels Valdosta’s own D.L. engraving is a tribute to his friend Colton is just a dream come Hall is just beginning.

Shaw, a former ValWith continued hard true for me.” work, character, and dosta High baseball support systems, his player and Hall’s close friend who was trag“Those guys meant a lot future in baseball can be ically killed by an errant to me,” Hall said. “Colton bright. He could become throw into the Valdosta was a close friend, and I only one of greats of dugout in 2015. He also wouldn’t be where I am South Georgia, but one has “Coach Kenny” en- today without Coach Ken- of the greats of the game graved, which represents ny, so I try to make sure of baseball. his former travel baseball that I honor them in the

DID YOU KNOW: One of Hall’s greatest strengths is his natural athleticism, which manifests itself in his presence at the plate. Not only is Hall an incredible LHP, but his bat can present as much of a threat to opposing teams as his arm does.

The Florida State University commit led Houston County on the mound in 2015 with a 6-1 record, ERA of 1.81, and 89 strikeouts in 58 innings, but he also led the team in batting with a .339 batting average, 40 hits, and 22 RBIs.

Friends in High Places Chain Baseball teammate and good friend Cole Brannen of The Westfield School in Perry, Georgia, is also hitting heavy on scouts’ radars due to his athletic approach in the outfield and at the plate, providing further depth to South Georgia’s baseball talent pool.

School: The Westfield School Graduation Year: 2017 Hometown: Elko Age: 18 Position: OF Ht/Wt: 6’1” / 190 lbs B/T: L/R 6o-Yard Dash: 6.18 seconds (99.81 percentile rank) 10 SPL: 1.37 seconds (99.96 percentile rank) OF: 90 mph (88.64 percentile rank) GPA: 3.1 GPA Commitment: Georgia Southern All Americans/All Regions: 2017 Rawlings-Perfect Game 1st Team All-American Southeast - All Region 1st Team PG Underclass All Americans/All Regions 2015 Underclass High Honorable Mention 2016 Underclass 1st Team Courtesy of twitter.com/cbrannen5

In The Game | 23

ON HER WAY TO

BECOMING

ELITE Written by: Anna Limoges Photos by: Emmanuel Magbanua

Tift County High School sophomore Elyssa Roberts is finally a Level 10 gymnast. Level 10 is the highest ranking junior gymnasts can receive before becoming Elite, the classification that deigns them eligible to be selected for the National Team. Roberts has been doing gymnastics since she was 3 years old, and reaching Level 10 has been a long time coming for the 16-year-old athlete, who competes for both her high school t e a m and as part of the Tift Gy m n a s tics Academy team.

“I did do some USA competition meets last year as a Level 10, but decided to end the year going to state as a level 9,” Roberts said. “I didn’t feel I was confident or prepared like I needed to be.”

Roberts practices for four hours a day, five days a week and competes almost every weekend from January through May all over the country. In 2014, she was named the USA state floor and beam champion and placed fourth all-around at the Region 8 USA meet. Last year, the Blue Devils gymnastics team placed sixth at state.

“This year in high school, I have done really well finishing first alla ro u n d a n d getting m a n y f i r s t places on all events,” Roberts said.

“I have a really good vault this year and earned some first-place finishes at Level 10 USA meets.”

Roberts got her start as a gymnast watching her older sisters.

“I have a really good vault this year and earned some firstplace finishes at Level 10 USA meets.”

24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“My older sisters did gymnastics, and I was just always at the gym waiting and watching them, so it was a natural progression for me to also do this sport,” Roberts said.

One of her sisters, Beth, competes for the University of Georgia as a Gymdog. Beth played a vital role in encouraging and helping Roberts when they were younger, and the two sisters still talk regularly.

“If I didn’t know what something was, she would come over and help me out during practice,” Roberts said. “She still helps me whenever she comes home or just by talking to her on the phone several times a week.”

“They are very close because they were in the same sport and practiced

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together most of their lives,” said Jodi Roberts, Blue Devils gymnastics coach and Elyssa’s mother. “There is a big age difference, but they can relate to each other when it comes to gymnastics.

They are each other’s biggest supporters, along with their older sister, Emilee.”

In the gym, Roberts is all business.

“At practice, she is quiet and works hard,” Jodi said. “She has a good sense of what she needs to accomplish that day and works to reach her goals.”

A little over a year ago, Roberts sustained an injury during what she called a “freak accident” on vault. What was initially thought ot be a bro-

“THERE ARE ALWAYS BUMPS IN THE ROAD YOU HAVE TO MOVE PAST.” — Elyssa Roberts

ken neck turned out to be a severe sprain and strain.

“She handled her vault accident very well,” Coach Roberts said. “She didn’t freak out, unlike myself!”

As you would expect, she did develop some fears and hesitations about trying certain stunts. After a few weeks of rest and physical therapy, however, Roberts was right back in the gym working what events she could.

“She has overcome her fear for the most part and is gaining more confidence every day in the gym,” coach Roberts said. “It just takes more time mentally than physically to get back to being 100 percent. This sport is very mental, as well as physically taxing on your body.”

Roberts participated in a few meets later in the season, but she couldn’t compete at the level she wanted to.

“I was very worried and didn’t know how this would affect her in the long run,” Coach Roberts said. “All of my daughters have had injuries, but nothing that was career ending, thank goodness.

My high school team also has had injuries plague us occasionally that can change our line up, and since our season is so short, it really affects what they can do for that particular year.”

Roberts’ injury did teach her an important lesson all athletes must learn about overcoming adversity.

“There are always bumps in the road you have to move past,” Roberts said.

26 | itgsportsnetwork.com

For the time being, Roberts plans to keep working hard and getting better.

“I have some skills I plan to nail down that I started working on before season started,” Roberts said. “I will work on those this summer and attend some college camps.”

As for her future, Roberts wants to pursue gymnastics at the collegiate level, although she’s still undecided as to where she’ll go.

Roberts has competed in three meets so far this season. At the Colquitt meet, she came in first on all events and all around with a score of 37.40. At the Thomasville meet, she placed first on vault, bars, floor, and all around with a score of 37.80. At the Ola meet, she came in first place on vault, bars, beam, and all around with a score of 36.4.

Warriors on the Court,

LEADERS IN IT ALL Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Micki K Photography

Brookwood School has established a record of tennis dominance in recent history, largely behind the efforts of its two stars: Thomas Harrison and Rachel Cooper.

The boys are on a record run of victories and championships, and the girls aren’t far behind. While Harrison and the boys are looking to replicate their success, Cooper and the girls are looking to push through that final barrier and finish their season with one last win.

The key factors? Culture and leadership.

Embodying the desired tone of the program, Harrison and Cooper lead their respective teams in the No. 1 singles positions, but they also excel in the classroom and in their character.

Powered by faith, supported by their families, mentored by their coaches, and encouraged by their peers, their support systems have helped forge their talent into potential and their potential into reality.

THOMAS HARRISON What began as an 8-year- only a sophomore when he went on his undefeated tear old hitting a tennis ball through the GISA’s largest classification. But his youth was no against a concrete wall for longer a disadvantage, largely because he has been playing countless hours culminated No. 1 singles since he was in the eighth grade. While this was in a high school tennis lega- once a source of immense pressure and intimidation, it ency being cemented in dom- hanced what was already an extremely competitive nature that inance, championships, and found its release in tennis. longevity.

Thomas Harrison of “I found that tennis is truly one of the greatest the Brookwood boys sports there is because it is a true one-on-one tennis team not only captured the singles battle of strategy, skill, and athletic ability.” championship last “Since I was young, I have always wanted to be better than year, but he only dropped a single set for the my peers and was super competitive, whether it was a board entirety of the season. To game, cards, running, or some other skill,” Harrison said. make sure that his message “From that I found that tennis is truly one of the greatest sports to the state rang clear, Harri- there is because it is a true one-on-one battle of strategy, skill, son capped off his dominant and athletic ability.”

Yet in the midst of his clear drive and success on the court, run with a 6-0; 6-0 clinching performance for the state humility and mental fortitude are underlying themes. This becomes apparent because not only is Harrison leading the championship.

Despite the end result, the Warriors by example on the court, but his influence in the journey certainly wasn’t easy. classroom and in the community is evident.

“My favorite part of being a Brookwood Warrior is being “Last year wasn’t a cakewalk though; being the top able to call myself a Brookwood student-athlete,” Harrison seed in both tournaments said confidently. “Brookwood is a fantastic, academically chalas a sophomore puts a lot lenging school with competitive athletic teams and a reputaof pressure on you,” Harri- tion for producing successful, well-rounded students.”

His 4.19 GPA and back-to-back placements on the headson remembered. “Having to maintain confidence in master’s list are complimented by a long list of extracurricumyself and my abilities was lar activities such as being the Class President, on the Honor very important in my success Council, and in the Upper School Student Government. Beyond Brookwood, Harrison is also active in his community, last season.”

That’s right: Harrison was especially through his church’s youth group, which led him

28 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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on multiple mission trips to places like New Orleans and Honduras.

Thomas Harrison still has the whole world before him, whether that be in academics, his professional career, or, of course, tennis. While his college plans are still uncertain, his current trajectory is vivid.

Harrison and the Warriors are still undefeated at the time of this writing, and it doesn’t seem likely that this fact will change; another championship is a real possibility as we approach the state tournament on April 25. After that, Harrison still has another year of competition at the high school and tournament level before his 2018 graduation date, and even then, his tennis career is far from over.

“I don’t ever plan for my tennis career to end,” Harrison said. “The beauty of tennis is that it’s a lifetime sport. Anyone can play tennis regardless of age, skill level, or athletic ability, so I plan to keep playing for as long as I can.”

TORN FROM THE TITLE The 2014 state championship was on the line for the Brookwood Warriors, and eighth-grader Thomas Harrison was facing off against eventual Division I tennis player Sachin Khurana. It was 10 at night after a grueling, full day of tennis. Battling through the exhaustion and cramps, Harrison finally fell. His final backhand careened into the net. Khurana turned to the stands and ripped his shirt off in celebration.

“What made that moment so memorable wasn’t that it was a crushing defeat, but rather that I literally gave it 100 percent, and that just wasn’t enough that day,” Harrison said. “I walked away from that match with my head held high because I never gave up on that match even when I was down game points and physically drained.”

BOYS TEAM TITLES/AWARDS:

2013-14: Region Champs, State Runners Up 2014-15: Region Champs, State Champs 2015-16: Region Champs, State Champs

INDIVIDUAL TITLES/AWARDS:

2014: Region Champ, State Quarterfinalist, All-Region player 2015: Region Champ, State Semifinalist, All-Region player, All-State player 2016: Region Champ, State Champion, All-Region Player, All-State player, Warrior Award Recipient

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RACHEL COOPER The senior captain of Brookwood’s girls tennis team has a life marked by a well-defined hierarchy: faith, family, academics, and athletics, in that order.

Showing much maturity and composure in the midst of her final months as a Warrior, at the center of her pursuit for the championship, and more importantly in her life, is Cooper’s well-formed faith.

“Every tennis match I play, I play for the glory of God,” she said. “Knowing that it’s a talent that He has given me makes me want to always give my best and never give up.”

Cooper is a leader in The Walk youth group, an officer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a senior Member of the Honor Council, extending her mission far beyond the tennis court.

“Every tennis match I play, I play for the glory of God. Knowing that it’s a talent that He has given me makes me want to always give my best and never give up.”

Playing for a purpose beyond herself, Cooper is blessed with a deep and wide support structure to come alongside her development as an athlete and person. From her grandparents down to her brother, there is no shortage of love and encouragement.

“It is rewarding to do well, not just for my own sake but also for the sake of the people who helped me get there,” Cooper said. “I never would have achieved all that I have without the support of my family, friends, coaches, and teammates.”

Despite her impressive play, Rachel Cooper made it clear that she is not defined by here accomplishments, but by her character. Compassionate, loving, and unashamedly herself.

“I’m not afraid to be myself; I’m small and ginger and pret-

ty feisty,” Cooper said with a smile on her face. “I’m really stubborn, and I stand for what I believe in. I love wholeheartedly and try to see the best in people. I can inspire others by showing them that there’s never a good reason to give up and encourage them to be positive, to look for the good things in life and in the people around them.”

With such a positive outlook, it is easy to see how she rose to her leadership position on and around the court. Serving as the “team mom” that keeps both the boys and girls teams organized, Cooper adds to the team her influence beyond her natural talents on the court. Similarly, she has to work to achieve at the same level in the classroom.

“I’ve always done pretty well in school and generally enjoy it,” Cooper said. “However, I’m not as naturally gifted academically as some of my classmates. I think and work slowly, so I feel like I have to work twice as hard to get good grades. Having to put in the extra work and persevere has made me stronger and taught me the value of determination.”

With so many areas of influence, the senior captain handles the pressure of her position well. However, that does not make her impervious to the effects of that pressure.

“I get really nervous before matches, but I usually pray that God gives me peace, and I just try to remember that I’ve worked hard to compete at this level, and my friends and family will love me no matter the result of a match,” Cooper said.

Battling in No. 1 singles, Cooper fell just short of her goal in 2016 as she lost in the 2016 state finals, but her goal remains intact as she approaches the end of her high school career. Last year’s runner-up finish as an individual and as a team was an achievement on its on and will serve as a building block for future development.

“It’s amazing to meet your goals and be successful at something you’ve worked so hard for,” Cooper said. “As a team, we never expected to win the region title or take second in state, so to achieve that after all of our hard work was really amazing. It encouraged me to keep playing and

TEAM TITLES/AWARDS:

2013-15: All-Region Team Runner-up 2015: All-Region Team 1st Place 2015: All-State Team Runner-up

INDIVIDUAL TITLES/AWARDS:

2016-17: Team Captain 2013-16: All-Region Individual 1st place 2013/16: All-State Individual Runner-up 2014: All-State Individual 3rd place 2016: Team MVP Class of 2017 Thomasville/Thomas County Female Athlete of the Year

working hard.”

After her senior campaign and graduation in May, Cooper will be attending the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and will be a member of their women’s tennis team. In the classroom, she will likely major in English in hopes of pursuing a career in sports journalism.

There is no doubt that Cooper has left her mark on Brookwood School, and she hopes that her impact stretches far beyond the tennis court.

“I hope to leave the legacy of being a student-athlete who is not just remembered for my athletic or academic achievements but for being a person who genuinely cared about each person I met,” Cooper said.

RIVALRY REMATCH Region finals. A familiar opponent. Surrounded by the screaming and cheering of the entire region.

The match pushed into a tiebreak.

“I have never felt so much a part of something bigger,” Cooper said, remembering the moment fondly .

“I ended up winning the tiebreak and the winning region title. I’ll never forget the overflowing gratitude I felt towards all the people who had been pulling for me and holding me up during that match.”

In The Game | 31

CAIRO PITCHER KEEPS HIS EYE ON THE DREAM, Commits to Play College Baseball at the University of Georgia Written by: Sarah Turner Photography by: Milla Creationz Photography

32 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Throughout his baseball career, things have always been changing for Emerson Hancock, pitcher at Cairo High School. His skill level expanded, he played in various leagues, and his perspective on winning and losing evolved. But one thing remained the same: the dream of becoming a professional baseball player. So far, that dream has pushed him toward great accomplishments, including an offer to play college baseball at the school he always dreamed of representing.

“I’ve been a Georgia fan my whole life; ever since I was little, it’s always been Georgia,” Hancock said. “They started recruiting me over the summer, and once it was offered, it was a done deal. That’s where I wanted to go.”

The senior plans to head to Athens, Georgia, and progress on the team. He hopes to eventually be their Friday night pitcher as well as make a positive impact on the university in any way he can. With his talent level, it’s no surprise that Hancock looks beyond what he can do as a collegiate athlete. He wants to go pro, and nothing will stop him from doing everything in his power to make that dream a reality.

Although Hancock grew up in a small town, he and his family created opportunities for him to gain exposure.

“The biggest thing is to accept what’s around you,” Hancock said. “A lot of what I’ve experienced through baseball hasn’t been through Cairo, but through travel ball. It’s taught me all these lessons that I use in school ball that kind of make me a role model to the people around me.”

The Syrupmakers had a successful 2016 season. Overall, they were 23-6 with an 11-game winning streak. They earned second place in the region, losing to Central High School, which had just been dropped from 5A to 4A. Hancock ended the season with a 1.09 ERA, 98 strike outs, and 16 walks. He and his team are underway to have another great season and are currently preparing to make another strong region showing.

No matter how the season ends, Hancock will take whatever he can and turn it into constructive experience to boost him throughout the future of his baseball career.

“I think the thing about baseball is it teaches you to deal with adversity,” Hancock said. “You know you’re going to fail 70 percent of time, and you can

“The biggest thing is to accept what’s around you.”

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succeed 30 percent of the time and still be a hall of famer. When I was younger, it was hard for me to deal with that because I didn’t want to fail. But I think the thing is, with it being a hard sport, that drives me even more to try and master it.”

Hancock’s ability in the classroom is just as impressive as that on the baseball field. He has a 4.0 GPA and is currently fourth in his class. As for what he plans to study in college, he is still undecided, but he has considered a few options.

“My brother is in exercise and sports science, and the kind of stuff he learns is interesting to me,” Hancock said. “He wants to be a physical therapist; that might be something I consider.”

Hancock is the type of student-athlete who likes to be involved. He sets an ex-

ample in any setting, and he hopes to continue that at the University of Georgia.

“I really hope to go up there and help the university any way I can,” Hancock said. “Whether that’s academically, athletically, I just want to try to make Georgia better as a whole.”

Hancock has a lot of natural ability, but he wouldn’t let the opportunity pass without crediting his biggest baseball supporter.

“My dad has been the man for me,” Hancock said. “He’s always been there. He taught me the game. There’s no telling how many pitches he’s thrown to me in the cage. He’s been there all the way. He’s the first person I talk to after a game, and we can just talk for hours just about one game.”

34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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10 Questions with Marty Richburg

PERSONAL BIO Name: Marty Richburg

Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of Marty Richburg

Job Title: Principal, Northside High School, Columbus, GA

In 2009, Marty Richburg was inducted into the Columbus State University Hall of Fame. Richburg came to CSU as a junior and played shortstop for the Cougars for two seasons, 1996 and 1997. During his time as a member of the CSU baseball team, he started every game he played in and won numerous honors and awards, including MVP of the Peach Belt Conference in 1996 and the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year in 1997. According to the college’s website, Richburg batted .371 with 21 home runs, 31 doubles, seven triples, and 92 RBIs for the ‘96 and ‘97 seasons. He still holds the distinction of being the last Columbus State baseball player to hit .400 in a single season.

Today, Richburg is principal of Northside High School, the largest public high school in Muscogee County. In the Game asked the former athlete turned coach turned administrator 10 questions about his time as an athlete and how playing sports helped prepare him for his career

Hometown: Opp, Alabama

In the Game: Where did you attend high school?

Marty Richburg: Opp, Alabama.

ITG: What sports did you play in high school?

MR: Football and baseball ITG: What positions did you play in those sports?

MR: Quarterback in football and shortstop in baseball.

ITG: What were some of the highlights of your high school baseball career?

MR: Hit 10 homeruns my senior year and helped our team advance to the Final Four for the first time in the history of the school.

ITG: You attended Columbus State University and played baseball for the Cougars. Did you receive an athletic scholarship?

MR:I did receive a full scholarship to play baseball at Columbus State University my junior and senior seasons. I signed to play at Chattahoochee Valley Community College out of high school.

ITG: For the time you were playing at CSU, were those seasons memorable and how?

MR: They were memorable. My junior season we won the Peach Belt Tournament and had to play Kennesaw State University at the Super Regional Tournament. It basically boiled down to the best two out of three games with them to see who would go to the national championship series. We beat them in the conference tournament, and they had received a regional bid to even be able to play against us. They won Game 1; we won Game 2 and then lost Game 3, I believe 11-7. Kennesaw State went on to win the National Championship that year. No one even came close to beating them in the championship series.

ITG: Was it during your time attending college in Columbus that you met your wife?

MR: It was. We were both in the teaching field and we had classes together. We were both hired the same year by Mr. Hatcher at Hardaway and worked together for several years.

36 | itgsportsnetwork.com

ITG: Upon graduation, what was the path you took to eventually becoming an administrator with the Muscogee County School District?

MR: I was a teacher and coach for the first five years of my career. During that time, I receive my masters and specialist in leadership and was hired as an assistant prinicipal at Hardaway High School under Mr. Matt Bell. I really enjoyed those years learning about leadership and how schools operate at an efficient level.

ITG: As a former high school and collegiate athlete, what are some of the things you have learned from participating in sports that helped prepare you for your life as an educator and administrator?

MR: I think playing baseball especially taught me how to fail. It has been said over and over that the best players to ever play the game of baseball were only successful 30 percent of the time. Life is not easy and it can hit hard, even when you think you are prepared. So learning from mistakes, taking chances and working hard carries over in the work place for sure.

I also learned from watching great coaches. Great coaches are great teachers. They motivate and inspire and get the most out of their athletes. Great coaches find ways to lead through difficult times and develop relationships that last for a long time.

ITG: What advice would you give a high school athlete who is considering playing athletics at the next level?

MR: Humility is very important. Be confident, but humble. You may be the best player on your high school team but when you get to college, you are on a team where everyone was the best player on their high school team. Expect it and do not let it overwhelm you. Be the hardest working player on your high school team and then carry that over to the collegiate level. Give credit to God for granting you the ability to be a great athlete and work on that gift to develop it to be the best version of yourself.

Education: Opp High School; Bachelors in Health and Physical Education, Columbus State University; Masters in Leadership, Troy State University; Specialist in Leadership, Troy State University Family: Wife, Kelly Richburg; sons, Bailey Richburg, (16) and Tray Richburg (14) Athletic Accomplishments: All-Conference Shortstop ‘95, CVCC; Voted MVP, CVCC; AllConference Shortstop ‘96, CSU; Peach Belt Tournament MVP ‘96, CSU; All-Conference Shortstop, ‘97, CSU; Peach Belt Athletic Conference Player of the Year ‘97, CSU; AllAmerican Shortstop ‘97, CSU; Chattahoochee Valley Community College Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2009; Columbus State University Athletic Hall of Fame, Class of 2009 Professional Accomplishments: State Championship Fastpitch Softball Coach, 2003; AAAA State Coach of the Year, 2003; Assistant Principal, Hardaway High School; Principal, Blackmon Road Middle School; Principal, Northside High School Hobbies or Favorite Past Times: Spending time with family and friends, working out/running, water skiing and hunting Person You Most Admire: My wife, Kelly Richburg.

When you spend right at 20 years with someone, you understand them at a level unlike anyone else. She is truly a genuine Christian person that is the glue for our family. She keeps me grounded and I look to her for guidance and advice on several decisions I have to make. I know that she will tell me exactly what I need to hear no matter what. She makes me a better person each and every day.

Best Thing About Your Current Job/Position With The Muscogee County School District: I have been blessed to work with some of the best and brightest teachers and coaches in the country. The people I work with genuinely care about our school, our students and our community. I enjoy working with these people and also with the students of Northside High School. Northside High School has a different feeling when you walk in the door and become part of this institution. It is indescribable, but it makes it real easy to get out of bed each morning to experience.

DYNAMITE Comes in Small Packages Written by: Miranda Moore Photography by: Milla Creationz Photography

When you’re good, you’re good, but for Lowndes High senior Octavious Fudge, “good” isn’t good enough. Reaching 5’6” at 130 pounds, Fudge is smaller than most of his opponents, but his performance suggests that his size is no disadvantage on the court.

Recently named Region 1-7A Offensive Player of the Year by the GHSA, Fudge hits the court for each game with something to prove. He owns shooting guard and point guard positions and boasts impressive stats despite missing the first half of his senior year due to an MCL injury. Not unfamiliar with recognition for his craft, Fudge also made the First All-Region team in his sophomore and junior years.

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Always looking for ways to improve his game, Fudge views every trip to the court as an opportunity to grow as a player.

“Basketball is competitive, and I like being challenged by teammates and competitors as well as myself to always be better,” he said. “I really love meeting and playing with other people who love the game. We all work hard and drive each other to improve.”

Growing up watching his uncles play basketball ignited the love of the game in young Fudge, who has been playing since he was only 4 years old. He hopes that his success with the sport will make his mom and uncles proud.

“We are a basketball playing family,” said Cynthia Arthur, Fudge’s mom, who played shooting guard and reached 1,000 points during her high school career. “It has been very interesting to watch him come into his own on the court, especially being so small.”

After watching her son’s games, Arthur helps Fudge stay motivated by coaching him on performance.

“His greatest strengths are his love of the game, his ability to be a team player, and the fact that he has absolutely no fear,” Donnie Holland, head boys basketball coach, said. “He doesn’t care that most of his opponents are bigger or taller than he is.

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He just gets the ball and gets it done.”

Holland also noted that Fudge is never hesitant to steal the ball. When asked how Fudge works to enhance his game, Holland said: “He’s a gym rat and always has a ball in his hand. I see him on the court playing and practicing every chance he gets. He’s always working to be a better player.”

Fudge wants to pursue his passion for basketball professionally, hoping to someday play for the Cleveland Cavaliers or coach basketball. He is currently awaiting collegiate offers.

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Self-motivator, Team-motivator, LCHS Freshman Exemplifies What a Student-Athlete Should Be Written by: Sarah Turner Photography by: Emmanuel Magbanua

Talent and the ability to lead don’t always go hand in hand with athletes, and even when an athlete does possess both characteristics, they are comparatively more advanced in their playing career – late high school, college, and professional athletes for example. However, for Seth Nelson, freshman catcher at Lee County High School, skill and leadership are both unquestionably already there in this young athlete.

“He’s the kind of player every coach wants nine of on their team,” Barrett Powell, ninth grade baseball coach at LCHS, said. “He’s going to work hard, and he’s going to do things without you asking him to do them. He constantly tries to better himself every day.”

Nelson picked up the sport when he was around four years old, and it’s been a passion of his ever since. He’s played on various leagues, traveled to different states, and collected a number of honors on the field. With so much early experience, he developed a sense of maturity as a player that many athletes fail to ever reach. Of course he enjoys winning, but he understands that part of reaching success is actually failing along the way.

“You’re not always going to see success in what you do,” Nelson said. “Many professional baseball players have about a .300 batting average. That’s three out of ten, and that’s considered successful.

You’re not always going to win. Sometimes you hit slumps for several games, and you just have to work through it.”

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It’s no surprise that a young man like Nelson plays one of the most important positions on the field.

As catcher, it’s important to always be focused. A good catcher makes important decisions quickly. In a sense, although they are behind the batter, they have the most control over each and every play.

Nelson understands the type of responsibility that the position entails, and that’s what he likes about it.

“As the catcher, I see the whole field,” Nelson said. “Every pitch, every second, I have to be aware of everything that’s around me. I’m the one who lets my team know where the throw should be made. The whole play starts with the catcher picking the pitch and the pitcher delivering.”

Although he grew up playing in a fairly small

town, Nelson’s athletic ability certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed. He always found a place on the all-stars teams in recreational ball, and more recently he has been invited for the past three years to play in the Perfect Game Series Classic in Fort Myers, Florida, which provides him the opportunity to compete among some of the highest level players in the nation.

According to LCHS baseball head coach Brandon Brock, although early in the season at the time of this writing, Nelson has already taken over as one of the primary leaders at the sub-varsity level. Nelson currently plays with the ninth grade team, but has also played up with the older players at LCHS on several occasions. For example, he was invited to go to the Mississippi State team camp along

with a small handful of other underclassmen.

“He was a rising freshman playing with our rising seniors, but they embraced him because they respect the kind of person he is, and they respect his playing ability,” Brock said.

“He’s a heck of a player, but he’s obviously got room to grow just like any player does. We’re excited to have him.”

Nelson is confident in his ability on the field, but he has never been boastful a day in his life. He has dreams just like any athlete, but what sets him apart is his knack for seeing what’s truly important in effecting the overall outcome of a game. He is a responsible player, he’s trustworthy, he’s helpful, and if you ever find yourself visiting one of his games, you will, without a doubt, hear his voice in the dugout cheering on his teammates.

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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SETH NELSON: HIS BASEBALL DREAM: “I really want to play baseball in college and maybe even make it to the pros one day.”

HIS BIRTHDAY:

Nelson was born on the morning of September 11, 2001.

HIS FAMILY:

Nelson gets a ton of support from not only his coaches, but also his family. His mother and father supported him every step of the way as a student-athlete. Furthermore, he’s learned a lot from his siblings whether that’s through their accomplishments or strength during hardships. His older brother graduated from SCAD in Atlanta and now works in New York as a graphic artist. Nelson nearly lost his older sister when she was only 11 years old to a sudden onset of juvenile diabetes. Since then, he has only known his sister as being a diabetic with the constant struggles that come with the disease. He hopes to one day start a foundation for children with diabetes.

ROLE MODELS:

Seth hopes to follow in the footsteps of a couple local athletes: Buster Posey, a professional baseball catcher for the San Francisco Giants, and Josh Hatcher, a senior at LCHS who is currently in the process of choosing which school he will sign with to continue his baseball career.

OTHER SPORTS: Nelson recently picked up kicking field

goals. He plans to try out for the kicker position on the football team next year.

Maybe the best way to describe Meg Torbert is to just say the 18-year-old is a whirlwind of activity.

A senior and multi-sport athlete at Pacelli School, Torbert currently participates in two spring sports at the same time. She balances soccer and tennis in these last few weeks before she graduates, but it isn’t her first rodeo when it comes to multi-tasking.

“My sophomore year I was a manager for the football team while I was also playing travel ball in soccer,” Torbert said. “Sometimes my mother would have to drive all the way to wherever we were having a Friday night game, pick me up, and then drive all the way to Atlanta or wherever I was going to have a soccer game the next day.”

It seems the outgoing and energetic athlete has always been active. She thinks her mother probably first introduced her daughter to soccer when Torbert was 6 years old simply because soccer would be an avenue to channel such energy.

Whatever the reason, the sport was a good fit, and Torbert is passionate about it. Up until last year, she played for the Vikings

Scholar-Athlete presented by

while also playing travel ball. The sport has practically been year-round for the talented athlete. Cast as a center or attack mid, Torbert is competitive on the field.

“Um, yes, I am competitive,” she said. “I like to win, obviously, but I like to play the game. That’s the best part is the competition.”

LOOKING AT THE END

GOAL Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Nick Fusco is in his first year as Pacelli’s head girls soccer coach. It didn’t take long to see that side of Torbert.

“Meg is a competitor,” Fusco said. “She is competitive in whatever she does, and as a coach that is always fantastic to have on your team. She has an excellent ability to take defenders on while dribbling and is not afraid to be physical with the other team.”

Back when Torbert was a freshman at Pacelli, she played three sports: basketball, soccer, and tennis. That gave her a winter sport and two spring sports on her schedule.

Maybe it just didn’t provide enough activity, because the following year she added volleyball in the fall while playing club ball and being a manager for the football team.

Last year she dropped tennis in the spring to concentrate more on soccer but kept up the dizzying pace of participating in three varsity sports and one club sport, being football manager, and keeping up with her school studies.

For her senior year, Tobert was a football manager, played volleyball in the fall, and skipped basketball. She went right into soccer and threw in one last season of tennis to round out her busy schedule.

Somehow Torbert has not only survived in this kind of frenetic pace, but actually thrived. Her academics have not suffered since she sports an impressive 4.1 GPA and is involved in numerous clubs at school.

She laughed when asked about her secret to juggling so much activity.

“I do procrastinate, but

“I am competitive.

I LIKE TO WIN,

obviously, but I like to play the game.

That’s the best part is the competition.”

— Meg Torbert

you have to get done what you have to get done,” she said, shrugging her shoulder. “It’s difficult sometimes.

I guess I just like to be busy, though.”

It doesn’t take long to recognize Torbert is an “all in” kind of person. No matter whether it’s sports, academics, or other activities, she said she feels if you are going to do something, put everything in it. That’s also the philosophy she adopts when mentoring younger athletes on this year’s Lady Vikings soccer team.

When Torbert graduates and leaves for college, it will be a little like leaving behind family. She has been attending St. Anne-Pacelli School since kindergarten. “I’m a lifer,” she said about her years at the small, private Catholic school.

“Meg is a great addition to any team. Her ability as a soccer player and passion to compete are qualities every coach wants on their team.

Her work ethic in practice and games brushes off on those around her and makes coaching this team that much easier because of it.”— Nick Fusco, Pacelli Head Girls Soccer Coach.

a victory over school rival the Brookstone Lady Cougars. It would be a great way to end her time at Pacelli before she heads off to Auburn University, where she plans to go to pharmacy school.

Torbert stresses to them the importance of working hard and working together. There are several newbies on the team this season, but the veteran athlete recognizes their talent and promotes it. She also gives team members the push they need at times to be more competitive.

Along those lines, Torbert set some goals for her last season on the soccer team. She wants her team to go to state and, on a more local level, really wants

“It would be so good to for our team to beat Brookstone,” Torbert said. “But really, a good day for me in soccer is when we all play together as a team, and I have helped my team by passing the ball so someone scores or played aggressive but smart. It’s hard to believe I will soon be leaving all this, and I want to go out feeling good about my time here.”

In The Game | 45

&SPORTS

UNITING FAITH

Thomasville Sophomore Scores Goals and Inspires Others

Margo Rainey is a team player.

Soccer is by no means an individual endeavor for her. She makes it a point to uplift her team and bring them together because she knows the importance of playing as a team.

Written by: Sarah Turner | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Margo Rainey is strong on the soccer field, she’s strong in the classroom, and her faith is strong too. The Thomasville High School sophomore has quite the ability as a forward, and although young, she knows how to boost her team’s confidence on the field; she’s constantly encouraging those around her. Rainey plays a huge role in helping her team earn success, due in part to her genuine compassion for those around her.

Influenced by her mother, a former soccer player, Rainey gained interest in the sport at a young age.

When she got older, she joined a club team in Savannah, where she lived at the time. She moved back to Thomasville (which is where she was born) when she was 11 years old. She continued

to play on a club team in Thomasville. Travel soccer helped her gain a ton of experience on the field and allowed her to find another reason to pursue soccer.

“With our club team in Thomasville, we travel to Atlanta and other places around Georgia,” Rainey said.

“I really like the friends I get to meet because we have people on our team from all over. I like traveling as a team and meeting new individuals, so I really enjoyed that part too in addition to playing.”

Since joining the THS team last Spring, she has already seen some success. Last year after winning region, they made it to the third round in the state playoffs. They were

Ever wondered if there’s a “sweet spot” in a soccer goal: Here are your chances in the goal.

8% 8%

4%

7%

22%

5% 6%

21%

19%

Information courtsey of www.active.com/soccer

46 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“I don’t think a team can play well if a team doesn’t work together,” Rainey said. “I think it’s important to have a good relationship with the people on your team so you can work together and reach the goal you’re trying to get to.”

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115 N. Patterson St Valdosta, Ga 31601 In The Game | 47

I try to do my best and try my hardest and maybe make people see that there’s something different.

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defeated by Greater Atlanta Christian; however, that season was the farthest the THS girls soccer team had ever made it in the state playoffs.

This season Rainey and her teammates hope to progress in the playoffs even more. No matter the outcome of the season, Rainey will keep a positive attitude and look to the next, but that certainly doesn’t mean she isn’t eager to score as much as possible this season. importantly, she uses socGetting the ball past the cer and the experiences goalie is her it brings her strong point, “I love being as a means and she is of spreading hungry on able to get past God’s word. the field to “On the the defenders. get as many field, I try to It’s a really do everygoals as possible. thing in God’s thrilling “I love bename, which feeling, and it is my stroning able to get past the motivaadds another gest defenders,” tor in school Rainey said. point for the too,” Rainey “It’s a realsaid. “I try to ly thrilling team and gives do my best feeling, and and try my us a better it adds anhardest and chance of other point maybe make for the team people see winning.” and gives that there’s us a better something chance of winning.” different. I always try to Rainey plays soccer be- encourage people on the cause it’s fun, she has the field and pray for people opportunity to meet new before games.” people, and she enjoys the excitement of a good competition, but most

GPA: 4.0

Favorite Subject: MATH

Extracurricular: Rainey sings in her church’s youth band, leads FCA at her school, and is a member of the National Honors Society.

Goals: Rainey would love to play soccer in college, preferably at Auburn University.

FAST BREAK

SILLY SEASON CONTINUES: FOR MORE THAN ONE REASON Written by: Jon Nelson Photography courtesy of mag.bleacherreport.com and savannahnow.com

Just when you thought the Silly Season was behind us.

Let’s start off by welcoming Bob Sphire to Kingsland, Sean Pender to Brunswick, Jason Strickland to Pierce County, and Von Lassiter to Bleckley County (just recently moving on from Houston County to Bleckley County).

In a year of stunning coaching moves, here’s the larger question now: JUST HOW MANY MORE STUNNING COACHING MOVES IS THIS OFF-SEASON GOING TO PRODUCE? YYour guess is now as good as mine.

So, Dear Reader, here’s this month’s question: What coaching change has been the most shocking or surprising to you in this off-season?

Answer on all the social media channels for everyone at In The Game and join all the pages if you haven’t so you can share your views of the state with the rest of the state.

Let me hear you!

Now, to the most recent sports-based national

holiday: National Signing Day – and we’ll take this in pieces.

First, to see the school in Athens keep more than double the folks home than any other school in the country did was special. And, frankly, I have always thought that when you have one of the top-five states in high school football from year-toyear, you HAVE to keep as many kids at home as you can. And I don’t just mean in Athens. I’m talking Atlanta, Statesboro, Valdosta, Rome, Savannah, Carrollton, Waleska, and all places in between.

But at the same time, it’s just as rewarding to someone who has seen the sport grow as much as it has to have student-athletes going to service academies, Pac12 schools, Ivy League schools, schools inside the southeast, and Big 12 schools (Kansas State and Oklahoma State got some good ones).

Here’s my lone question in all of this, though: But, I will preface it by saying I talked to one Division I-AA (sorry, “FCS”) coach who didn’t disparage the athlete I am about to talk about one bit – his talent was recognized. This one coach was already locked in at the position.

How is it that Macon County QB K’Hari Lane

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did not have one solid Division I offer and was unable to sign some paperwork in Montezuma on NSD 2017? He set records. He won a state title. He and his team had a season that’s amazing in Class-A (Really, class is irrelevant, but it was an amazing year regardless of class.), and there’s nothing to show for it with all the schools that we all see on a Saturday that need QB help.

I am STILL scratching my head on that one.

In early February, the list of schools that were interested in Lane were Grambling State, Southern, Hampton, Savannah State, and Division II Morehouse.

All I am going to say is this: One school, somewhere, is going to get a motivated young man at QB. Play it safe, everyone. I’ll talk to you soon.

FCA Seeks to Minister to Female Coaches and Athletes Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of Jackie Taylor

A typical work day is not very typical for Jackie Taylor. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes representative is practically all over the place. She could be attending a Bible study for coaches at 7 a.m. or taking in a sporting event across town in the late afternoon to support athletes in her program. It can be crazy and hectic with weird hours and emotional ups and downs. If it isn’t apparent by talking with her, ask Taylor how she feels about her job.

“Oh my gosh, I love it,” she said with unbridled enthusiasm.

After spending 18 years in marketing for Cascade Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia, Taylor made the decision to move into a new vocation a little over two years ago. She said she felt the calling to become more involved with young athletes after volunteering as

“I had been feeling this need to have more of an impact in a one-on-one kind of way with these high school athletes, and then when Marty asked me about it, I just felt like it was meant to be.” a team chaplain for a local high school softball team. Former FCA director Marty Durden approached Taylor about the possibility of her coming on board with the West Central Georgia Chapter.

“I had been feeling this need to have more of an impact in a one-on-one kind of way with these high school athletes, and then when Marty asked me about it, I just felt like it was meant to be,” Taylor said.

The reality of becoming an employee with the organization didn’t materialize until Lamar Weaver, organization.

According to Taylor, current director of the local FCA chapter, offered the vision of the FellowTaylor the job of area ship of Christian Athletes representative for female “is to see the world imcoaches and athletes in pacted for Jesus Christ December of 2014. Her through the influence of primary role is to minister coaches and athletes.” to female coaches and Female coaches and athathletes within the area letes have been included served by the West Cen- in FCA events, attending camps and Huddles (camtral Georgia chapter.

High school sports have pus groups), but somet i m e s become more di“Female coaches have there are unique verse in great responsibilities n e e d s the past this two de- just like male coaches. to c a d e s , But there are fewer of g r o u p that are and an them, and they don’t best ado v e r often have someone dressed whelming numin their own school to by someone of ber of support them.” their own females g e n d e r. are taking part in athletics. With As a team chaplain for a those increases in partici- female sport, Taylor’s eyes pation, it became appar- were open to the needs ent that female athletes of expanding the role of and coaches would ben- a female FCA represenefit from having a female tative.

“Being a team chaplain representative in the FCA

In The Game | 51

helps you know 20 athletes,” she said. “I love the idea of going into more individual sports to reach more athletes.”

At the present time, Taylor is still working on getting into local schools to set up programs and get to know coaches.

Not all female sports are coached by females.

Many local sports for females have male coaches heading up the programs.

Taylor is trying to establish relationships with coaches of female sports, which she hopes will lead to setting up Huddles, Bible studies, and opportunities to minister to the young women involved in athletic programs and to be an encourager to female coaches.

“Female coaches have great responsibilities just like male coaches,” Taylor said. “But there are fewer of them, and they don’t often have someone in their own school to support them. This can be a safe place to express ideas.”

When Taylor receives permission to meet with athletes, she first advises the coach to inform parents of the FCA involvement. Then Taylor

assesses how best to establish relationships. So far, she has been able to start a Bible study for coaches at one high school and a middle school once a week before school begins.

She also has contact in other ways with athletes and coaches at a couple of middle schools and another high school. Taylor’s involvement may be speaking to a group or team meeting, but she is open to options that would be the best fit for that sports team.

“We don’t force anything on them; it’s totally volunteer,” she said with a laugh. “We tell the coaches to be sure and tell everyone they don’t get extra playing time or anything if they attend.”

As an FCA area representative, Taylor said no one has told her, “No,” when she asks to visit with the coaches and explain her ministry.

There are many schools in the area without FCA sponsors or Huddles, and she would like to have FCA programs in all schools.

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“To see the ones out there taking a stand, that is so powerful,” she said. “We are hope dealers.”

For more information about FCA or its ministry to female coaches and athletes, contact Jackie Taylor, 706-412-0359, or email her, jackietaylor@fca.org Information about upcoming events or summer camps may be found at westcetralgafca.org

52 | itgsportsnetwork.com

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YOUNG GOLFER Teeing Up for Future Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

On an absolutely gor- coach to start lessons to swing a club. We lived up geous day back in Jan- advance McLaney’s plan on Lake Harding, and I watched him hit golf balls uary, local golfers at for the future.

Lakewood Golf Course To understand where around there.”

At the age of 4, took advantage of the McLaney wants to go, it’s spring-like weather to necessary to look back McLaney received a set of junior clubs and get in a few rounds. starting blazing a trail.

With temperatures “I was just an infant, From then until he in the mid-70s, was 7, McLaney comunusual even for practically. I would peted in golf tournathe South, several ments. Of those nuyoung golfers at watch my dad swing the Phenix City, Al- a club. We lived up on merous tournaments, he came in first every abama, golf course time with one excephit the links. Among Lake Harding, and I tion. those after-school watched him hit golf “I played with that golfers was Mason junior set of clubs balls around there.”

McLaney. until I got a set of For McLaney, golf cut down clubs,” Mcisn’t just a fun hobby. He at how the talented golf would have been on the athlete got started on this Laney said. “When I was golf course that day no road. His passion for the 7, my dad got me an adult matter what the weather. game of golf was nur- set of Ping clubs and had them cut down. I worked Because the 14-year-old tured early. is so serious about his “I was just an infant, myself up to playing pretgolf game, on this day he practically,” McLaney said. ty good.”

Baseball drew McLaney’s is meeting with a new golf “I would watch my dad

“I THINK I AM GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY AT THE COLLEGE LEVEL, BUT I WANT TO SOMEDAY TURN PRO, AND TO GET THERE, IT ALL STARTS NOW.”

In The Game | 53

attention away from the seventh grade. Acgolf for a few years. cording to his father, Mike Despite his early success, McLaney, his son was McLaney decided at 7 awarded 26 Top Five Low years old to put down his Medalist awards, one city clubs and championpick up a ship, three city b a s e b a l l “Baseball was championship glove. He r u n n e r s - u p, Player p l a y e d just something two every form of the Year I wanted to see of baseball awards, one he could if I could do,” Elite Eight until he award, and McLaney said. two Sweet 16 was 11.

Eventually, “I didn’t burn awards, all as he went an 11-, 12-, back to his out on golf. I and 13-yearfirst love. did burn out on old.

“Baseball In addition, was just baseball. Had McLaney something to choose one was the twoI wanted time Top to see if I sport…golf.”

Four GSGA could do,” West Division he said. “I Leader and didn’t burn out on golf. recently won the Haskins I did burn out on base- Invitational PGA Junior ball. Had to choose one Tour Georgia Section in sport…golf.” the 12- and 13-year-old The past three years division. McLaney also have been successful finished fifth at the PGA for the golf athlete. He Junior Championship began attending Glen- at Waters Edge at Lake wood School last year Oconee in Reynolds Planand was a member of the tation, Georgia. school’s varsity golf team, Looking ahead, McLaney although he was only in is already thinking of

college and is preparing to improve his game toward that end. He is being mentored by Chris Whidby, owner of Coach Recruit Me, which assists young athletes in their pursuits of athletic scholarships.

“I was just impressed with Mason the first time I met him,” Whidby said.

“He is very well-mannered and respectful. As far as his golf game. I think he is way ahead in his attention to detail. Mason is focused, and you can tell him something just one time, and he has it down.”

McLaney feels Whidby’s assistance helped with the mental aspect of

playing golf. After taking a few years away from the game, McLaney said it was hard to get back into the swing of things. He made some adjustments, and with Whidby’s help, he feels better about his prospects of being recruited in a couple of years.

“My goal is to play professionally,” McLaney said. “I think I am good enough to play at the college level, but I want to someday turn pro, and to get there, it all starts now.

What I am doing here is the work to help move me forward to get there.”

Fast forward to today, and McLaney is focusing

on helping his Glenwood team make it to the state championship. He is in his second year on the varsity and often lines up against opponents who are seniors. The coaching he has received, the guidance of his dad, and the recent addition of lessons from golf pro Robert Kelley helped level the playing field.

“I feel pretty confident,” he said with a smile. “Our team should be good, and I am working as much as I can and have great people helping me with the mental and physical parts of my game. Golf is going good now.”

Mason McLaney said he has a strong competitive spirit. He admitted he comes by it honestly as his dad, Mike, is also competitive. The two often golf together, which produces a bit of good-natured rivalry.

SMILING, MCLANEY SAID,

“I WIN MOST OF THE TIME.” 54 | itgsportsnetwork.com

The Opportunity to Do More Written by: Anna Limoges Photos by: Emmanuel Magbanua

Winston Peterson is a busy man. As the Athletic Director for Clinch County, he’s responsible for all athletic programs in the county. He’s also a teacher at Clinch County High School. And an assistant football coach for the Panthers.

And he works as a resource officer for the county through the sheriff’s office.

Peterson graduated from Clinch County, where he played football and baseball; got a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Valdosta State University; and then came back home to serve his community.

In January, Peterson was named the Region 2A Athletic Director of the Year. He described what he does as “not the most flashy job in the world,” but he does what he can for the coaches and students in Clinch County to succeed.

“I’m making the head coaches’ jobs easier,” Peterson said. “I think of myself as a resource for head coaches.”

A typical day for Peterson starts at 7 a.m., and he usually gets home around 12 hours later. On game days during football season, his 12-hour days turn into 18-hour days, but he’s not complaining.

“I look at it like: If I’m going out “Working at the there and expect them to give high school, I 100 percent and give all they got, I have to do the same also,” get to make a Peterson said. difference there, At the high school, he teaches three criminal justice courses as but if you’re part of the Career, Technical, and gonna reach Agricultural Education program.

As a resource officer for the kids, you have to county, Peterson participates in reach them at a the Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety young age.” program founded in 2003 by the Georgia Sheriff’s Association. As part of the program, he visits Clinch County Middle School’s fifth graders once a week for about 12 weeks and educates them on subjects ranging from drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure to internet safety to staying home alone to the proper riding of four-wheelers.

“I enjoy being able to go over there and see those fifth graders and be at the school with the smaller kids because of the way they look up to you,” Peterson said. “Hopefully I make an influence.”

Peterson enjoys the work he does because he feels he can make a difference, especially while the children are young.

“Working at the high school, I get to make a difference there, but if you’re gonna reach kids, you have to reach them at a young age,” he said.

He also wants to leave a good impression of police officers in general on the students and tries his best to build a relationship and sense of trust between the students and the police force.

“I try to get them to understand what police officers do,” Peterson said. “People sometimes have a standoffish image of what police officers are. I get people all the time that say, ‘I don’t see how you do it, work in the schools.’ To me, I wouldn’t do anything else.”

He always spends his first class going over his utility belt. As for which question the middle schoolers ask most often?

“‘Can I see your gun?’”

Peterson said with a laugh. “I cover my entire

duty belt to explain why we have all this stuff.”

And don’t worry; he explains to them that, no, they can’t see his gun.

But the fifth graders keep him humble; one student raised a hand, and Peterson assumed he had a question about his utility belt. The student assured him, instead, that he was not as cool as Batman.

Peterson works as hard as he does and stays as busy as he does because he wants to make his hometown better.

“I got kids growing up here, and I want it to be the best place it can be,” he said. “I want my kids growing up in the best environment they can grow up in. I didn’t look at it as doing more; I looked at it as the opportunity to do more. Sometime it gets hectic, but in the end its all worth it.”

In The Game | 55

Columbus to Be the Site of Four GHSA State Golf Championships Written by: Beth Welch Photos courtesy of Brookstone and Columbus High from last year

Some of the best high school golfers in the state will flock to three Columbus golf courses on May 22 and 23 when the Georgia High School Athletic Association’s 2017 State Golf Championships will be held for two GHSA divisions. The 1A Private School Girls and Boys venue is Green Island Country Club and will be hosted by Brookstone School. Columbus High School will be the host for the 4A Girls and 4A Boys venues at Maple Ridge Golf Club and the Columbus Country Club, respectively.

Each year the GHSA asks for host sites for the championship tournaments.

For the 2017 events, it is noteworthy that Brookstone boys golf team and Columbus High School boys golf team will both be defending their titles as 2016 state golf champs in their divisions.

According to the GHSA website, there are 14 host sites for Divisions 1A Private through 7A, and the tournaments will be 36-hole events for the first time.

Participants in the state tournaments will advance from their area tournaments directly to state based on their qualifying scores and the order of their finish.

In the Game asked Brookstone head boys golf coach Hunter Chapman and Columbus High School head boys golf coach Chris Parker to give some background about hosting venue sites. Both Chapman and Parker were the coaches for their 2016 state championship teams, which gives them unique perspectives on this year’s events.

HUNTER CHAPMAN, BROOKSTONE: How did Brookstone become one of the hosting schools?

Being granted the opportunity to host begins with presenting the GHSA with a quality golf course, which we have with Green Island. The course is great for high school tournaments. It is always in great shape, it plays quickly, and the overlapping layout makes it great for coaches to frequently interact with players and for fans to see a lot of golf. I owe a lot of thanks to the persistent help of D. Copeland, former president of the board of directors at Green Island. He was very supportive of the tournament being played at Green Island, and he personally was willing to put in the effort of reaching out to the GHSA. The willingness of the course staff made this possible as well.

Has Brookstone been a host school in the past?

Brookstone has hosted the state tournament several times, including three times in the past decade. In 2007 the girls and boys were both hosted at Bull Creek, and in both 2010 and 2011, the girls played at Bull Creek, and the boys played at Green Island. Brookstone has hosted the area tournament at Green Island before as well. While this will be my first time hosting a championship tournament, we have hosted a regular-season tournament (Brookstone Invitational) at Green Island each of the last three years.

What is involved in being a host school?

As the host school, we will be working with Jay Russell and the GHSA in the months leading up to the tournament to execute their standard operating procedures to the best of our ability, as well as to add our own personal touches to the event. It is mainly our job to ensure that the tournament runs efficiently and that the teams have the best experience as possible. I care a good deal about hospitality for all of the teams, efficient pace of play, and a quality golf course that is both fair and challenging. We will work with the Green Island staff to talk through details such as pin placements. We will coordinate a team of volunteers to assist in all aspects of the tournament process as well.

How does the event benefit the Cougars, if any?

The tournament is a great opportunity to put the school in the spotlight.

Not only will we have the opportunity to try to please all of the participating teams with a good tournament, but it is great for the entire Brookstone community to have the honor of hosting. A lot of school spirit and enthusiasm will be involved as well. A lot of people, from students to alumni to friends outside of the school, are excited. Of course, too, it is great for the city of Columbus when a lot of teams descend upon the city for a few days.

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Any other comments about hosting a venue site?

Green Island is such a great course with an even better staff. For years Matt Heitmueller and Richard “Doright� Korytoski have done a phenomenal job with hosting tournaments. They are tremendous advocates of junior golf, and I am thankful for their support and their friendship. The entire Green Island staff deserves a ton of thanks and credit as well. The course has hosted tournaments of all levels, including the PGA Tour, throughout its existence, and I am grateful that they are willing to host the A-Private state tournament this year.

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CHRIS PARKER, COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL: How did CHS become one of the hosting schools?

Each year GHSA solicits schools via its website to host state tournaments. To do my fair share, I try to volunteer to host the state tournament every few years.

This year Columbus High School submitted a bid to host both the boys and girls AAAA tournaments and Brookstone to host the A-Private boys and girls.

Has Columbus High been a host school in the past?

This will be the fourth time that I have hosted a state tournament. 2006 at Bull Creek, 2010 at Maple Ridge, 2015 at CC of Columbus, and 2017 at CC of Columbus. I have also hosted a sectional round once as well.

What is involved in being a host school?

It is a lot of work and requires the help of many people in the community both financially and volunteering. We are fortunate in Columbus to have the best Sports Council in the state of Georgia. They are very instrumental in bringing events to our city that benefit all citizens with the amount of tourism money that will be spent for this event.

We will work with the local golf professionals in organizing the tournament (tee times, hotels, restaurants, etc.). We are very fortunate to have so many willing golf pros and club golf committees who are supportive of junior golf.

We will also put together a tournament favor package to make the events in Columbus stand apart from those held in other places.

How does the event benefit the Blue Devils?

There are a couple of benefits that come to mind for being the host school.

Obviously, you hope that playing on a course that is more familiar to your team would be one of them. Another is the money saved by not having to travel for three to four days with hotel expenses, food, etc. The obvious downside is that it will require dozens of hours of extra work and planning from the local coaches.

Any other comments about hosting a venue site?

In order to put on the quality of event that Columbus is known for, we will need the aid of dozens of individuals and businesses throughout the community. If anyone is interested in helping, they may contact me at the school or contact the Columbus Sports Council. There are no funds provided by GHSA, so the coaches (myself, Joe McDaniel, Hunter Chapman, Dawn Burts) and the golf pros (Mike Gill, Richard Korytoski, and Ryan Williams) are mostly doing this as a service to our community.

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Pine Grove Middle’s

TRIPLE THREAT Written by: Zack Pine | Photography by: Brittany Wyche

Going through middle school is often a young teen’s greatest challenge.

You finally leave the comfort of your elementary school where you have a maximum of three teachers in a day, and you’re thrust into a bustling middle school schedule where you change classes every 55 minutes. In these times, students go through an adjustment period where they just try to survive the awkward and stressful years of early adolescence. In rare cases, however, some students thrive in this environment. Some students can easily grasp the fast-paced schedule and make the most out of it.

This is the case of three young men at Pine Grove Middle School: TJ Quinn, Zavion Anthony, and Josh Inman. These three are some of Pine Grove’s finest students, not to mention they’re also fantastic athletes. All three are on the all-A honor roll, and because of their success in the classroom, they are able to transition that ability to the playing field.

Too often we glorify those athletes who barely scrape by academically but thrive on the field, but that is not the case with these young men. Quinn, Anthony, and Inman embody what we all look for in our model stu-

dent athletes. They work hard in the classroom, make great grades, treat others with kindness and respect, and then go showcase their talents on the field.

Quinn is a two-way player on the football team, playing linebacker and fullback. During basketball season, you can catch him posting up players in the paint as a dominant center. During track season, he runs the exciting 4x100 relay and does field events.

Anthony is another two-way football player; he plays tight end on offense and linebacker on defense.

During basketball season, Anthony found his home as

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In The Game | 59

the team’s power forward.

During track season, he performs the long jump and runs the 4x100 with teammate Quinn.

Inman, too, is a twoway player on the football team, playing quarterback and defensive back. During basketball season, he enjoys playing power forward along with teammate Anthony.

During track season, you can catch Inman running the 100- and 200-meter dashes.

All three are every coach’s and teacher’s dream.

They take care of the classroom first and then take care of what they need to do on the field. As almost every teacher can attest, this is all too rare of a phenomenon.

These athletes are special, and their accomplishments should be something we all point to when we glorify student-athlete achievements.

Every student-athlete reading this, no matter if they’re in middle school, high school, or in college, can look at the example that these young men have, and continue to, set.

Sports come and go. The day always comes when athletes must hang up the cleats. However, a quality education lasts a lifetime.

The classroom is where leaders are born. Not the

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practice field, not the weight room, and not the gym, but the classroom is where true leaders emerge.

But to be sure, their journey has only begun. While the testimony of Quinn, Anthony, and Inman is one to admire, the hard work has just begun. Their leadership will need to continually develop and evolve with each stage of life, but these bright young men seem to be up to that task as they head toward that next step: Lowndes High School.

RED DEVILS

Duo Pitching Their Way to the Next Level Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: Jerry Christenson

Before National Signing is evident in just about Day on Feb. 1, Evan Baber everything they do. And, and Tanner Belcher had they do almost everything already squared away together.

Baber and Belcher their plans for life after high school. The two met as youngsters while right-handed pitchers playing football around the age of 6. and position players “I’ve got a Belcher moved for Central away from the good arm, area but moved High School c o m m i tt e d a few and I get back to play for years ago. He on base a joined Baber two Alabama schools next Central High lot. I’m not at fall.

Baber School for their will stay close the fastest junior year in to home and It was runner, but I 2015. attend Chattheir first expetahoochdo get a lot rience playing ee Valley together for of bases.” the Red DevCommunity College just ils, although down the road from the they have played on the Phenix City High School, same travel ball team for while Belcher will venture a while. a little further north to Both young men gave Wallace State Community up the lure of other sports College in Hanceville. to concentrate on baseMaking the decision ball. Baber was successback in the fall enabled ful as a wrestler at Centhe two athletes to focus tral, but baseball won out on their last season as when he realized he had a members of the Red Dev- chance to play at the next ils baseball team. Their level. enthusiasm for the sport “I’ve always enjoyed the

game,” Baber, 17, said.

“I’ve got a good arm, and I get on base a lot. I’m not the fastest runner, but I do get a lot bases.”

His skills earned him numerous honors and awards. Last year Baber, who bats left handed but

pitches and throws with his right hand, was named to the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s All-Star Team as a shortstop and played in the AHSAA’s North-South game in July. Athletes were selected based on

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the nominations of high school coaches across the state.

With a .409 batting average and 45 RBIs on the 2016 season, Baber garnered the recognition to be selected to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer’s All

The two Central players spend a lot of time together on and off the field. They fall right behind each other in the batting lineup and are friends outside of the game.

When asked if they might suffer some separation anxiety when they move off to their respective colleges, Belcher just laughed.

“We’ll be playing against each other,” he said. “Those teams play each other during the season.”

B-City Baseball Team. In addition, he was named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association 2016 All-Star Baseball Team for the 7-A Division as an Honorable Mention for the shortstop position.

Belcher also received the honor of being named to the ASWA 2016 All-Star Baseball Team but as a Utility Player on the Second Team for the 7-A Division. More impressive, however, is the 18-yearold’s selection as the Columbus Ledger Enquirer’s All Bi-City Player of the Year for 2016.

The honor was in response to Belcher’s first year with the Red Devils as both an outfielder and pitcher in which he had a .379 batting average and 34 RBIs and went 8-1 on the mound with a 2.49 ERA and 62 strikeouts in the regular season.

“I am fast, pretty consistent at the plate, and have a quick read on balls,”

Last year was the first season Baber and Belcher played under the direction of legendary high school baseball coach Bobby Howard. With that now behind them, the two seniors are in their second and last season with Howard at the helm. So how is it to play for someone with such an impressive résumé and field presence?

Belcher said when asked about his strengths on the field.

The efforts of both Baber and Belcher helped bring the Central team to the quarter finals last season. Their leadership for the 2017 season is undeniable as well as their excitement about the schedule they face.

Every team the Red Devils will face in their region is to be taken seriously, but two teams, Auburn and Smiths Station, have become somewhat of a rivalry.

To get past those strong opponents and others on their road to the playoffs, Central will have to bring their A-game. Both Baber and Belcher believe it will all come together during their senior season.

“I’ve been here since I was a freshman, and this year is the year,” Baber said. “We’re OK on offense, but we have to double the defense. We

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have the top three hitters returning, and we signed five pitchers. Of all the teams that could take it all the way, it’s this one.”

His teammate agrees.

“We have depth on the mound and 10 seniors on the team,” Belcher said. “We stay healthy, work hard, we can make it to the playoffs.”

Pausing for a moment, Belcher gathered his thoughts for another comment on the subject.

“This is our last go ‘round,” he said. “We are looking for us to be the state championship team.”

Shaking his head, Baber quickly added one word to Belcher’s statement that shows the level of belief in their team: “National.”

“I love it,” Belcher said. “Sometimes, in your thinking, you’ll question something he says, but when you really think about it, it makes all the sense in the world. He is very smart.

Very smart.”

Baber acknowledged that the adjustment to a new coach has been worth it.

“The first year was a learning experience,” Baber said. “Now you know what he expects.

The real thing is that he doesn’t just show up and make stuff up. He could, but he works hard. Every day. He is always working to make us better.”

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In The Game | 63