South Georgia April/May 2019 Edition

McCullough Triplets Find Their Sport Ethan, Cole, and Hunter | Hahira Middle School

Lifetime Wrestler Turns to Golf After Health Scare

Trent Broome | Valdosta High School

Golfer Followed Brother’s Lead Sanders Hinds | Brookstone School

Sullivan Shoulders Birth Defect Through

DANCE

IN THE

GAME

APR/MAY 2019

Caroline Sullivan Tiftarea Academy

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LOCATIONS

• Hughston’s quality patient care has kept us #1 in orthopaedics for 70 years • Organizing preparticipation physicals since 1976 • Covering over 1,500 local sporting events each year

Albany Auburn Columbus Dothan Dublin LaGrange Macon Moultrie Phenix City Thomaston Thomasville Valdosta

• Saturday morning injury clinic • Researching and implementing concussion management software for local athletes

6262 Veterans Parkway Columbus, GA 31909

1-800-331-2910 706-324-6661 www.hughston.com

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Albany / 2609 Ledo Rd. Albany, GA 31707 / 229.430.8080 716 Philema Rd. / 229.439.4030 Tifton / 2nd St W. Tifton, GA 31794 / 229.386.2265 Moultrie / 621 N. Veterans Pkwy, Moultrie, GA 31788 / 229.985.1380 Sylvester / 601 N. Main St. Sylvester, GA 31791 / 229.776.7641 Quitman / 602 E Screven St. Quitman, GA 31643 / 229.263.7538 Valdosta / 2910 N. Ashley St. N. Valdosta, GA 31602 / 229.242.2037 3774 Old U.S. 41 N / 229.241.9900

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What's Next?

South Georgia

In the Game Be eager. Want to evolve.

True champions are never satisfied.

Stay In the Game. Live In the Game.

Anna Limoges EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Honoring South Georgia Athletes No Matter the Sport

4 North Carter Street Lakeland, Georgia 31635 (229) 482-3585

978 Valdosta Highway Homerville, Georgia 31634 (912) 487-1200

202 W. Washington Ave. Nashville, Georgia 31639 (229) 686-9451

1201 S. Patterson Street Valdosta, Georgia 31603 (229) 244-3585

3303 Inner Perimeter Road Valdosta, Georgia 31605 (229) 244-3585 8 | itgnext.com

www.fmb.net Member FDIC

IN THIS ISSUE 18 21 22 24 29 30

Dual Enrollment Inspired by Helping Others Valencia Hill | Albany Technical College

Dual Enrollment Better Shapes Students for College Anzlie Brogdon | Wiregrass Technical College Leadership at Its Finest Blaize Minick | Ogeechee Technical College

McCullough Triplets Find Their Sport Ethan, Cole, & Hunter McCullough | Hahira Middle School Racing in the Genes Colby Higgins | Highland Christian Academy

38

Lifetime Wrestler Turns to Golf After Health Scare Trent Broome | Valdosta High School

41 44

Fighting to Stay Together Spells Family

47 48 52 54 56 58 60 64 66 66

Track Athlete Looking for Back-to-Back State Wins Jonathan Myrthil | Northside High School

34

A Star Is Born Haley Williams | Glynn Academy

Golfer Followed Brother’s Lead Sanders Hinds | Brookstone School Esports Ganks Sports World Colquitt County High School

Riding to Compete Southern Junior Rodeo Association

Sullivan Shoulders Birth Defect Through Dance Caroline Sullivan Tiftarea Academy

Inclusion Fosters Love of Sports Will Gillis | Brantley County High School All About the Sports Ball

Veterans Looking to Return to Winning Ways David Coffey | Veterans High School High School Referees Wanted

Sports Give Athlete Tools for Life Malachi Morris | Spencer High School

Coaching Changes Around the Corner FCA Events Spreading the Message FCA

Player Profiles

27 32 51 63

Smith Shaw | Valwood School Krystian Jones | Pelham High School Macee Chappuis | Valdosta High School Zanidja Aikens | Brooks County High School

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Chase Busby, St. Simons Island, Ga.

Care that’s a world apart, but just down the road.

Last year, more than 800 children from South Georgia made a very important trip. Some were just a few days old; others were kindergartners or teens. But they all received top-ranked care from one of the best children’s hospitals in America: Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Care that’s a world apart, but just down the road. more 10Learn | itgnext.com

at wolfsonchildrens.com

From the Publisher Why does anyone pick up a sport or hobby when they’re young? Because they’re bored. Because they want to learn a new skill. Because they want to be more active. Because they want to express themselves. Because they want to explore a burgeoning talent. Many of the stories in this issue explore the (sometimes unusual) reasons these athletes got their starts.

Caroline Sullivan, the ballerina on our cover, took up dance as a form of physical therapy when she was 4 years old. The Tiftarea Academy senior was born with a rare skeletal defect that caused her shoulder blade to fuse abnormally with her spine. Sullivan said the condition mainly affects her range of motion when she dances, but that her instructors have helped her overcome any limitations her condition may have placed on her.

Trent Broome was a lifetime wrestler who took up the sport of golf after a health scare last year. The 16-year-old developed mono, and the doctors found a mass in his chest that could have been deadly. They don’t know exactly what caused it, but the idea that he could have picked it up from wrestling convinced him to take a break from the sport and pick up golf instead.

Colby Higgins, 15, has been racing cars for seven years, and he doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon. He may have a small leg up on the competition too: His father and both grandfathers were all racers in their day, and his uncle on his mother’s side fielded cars for the first ever NASCAR series on Daytona beach.

Racing runs in his blood, and with his first racing sponsor under his belt, he’s off to a great start.

Sanders Hinds, a junior at Brookstone School, played tennis when she was younger, but tagging along with her older brother to the golf course made her want to give that sport a try. It turns out she had a knack for it, and now she’s aiming for a state championship title this year.

Those stories and more fill these pages, including stories of athletes who have adapted to their life circumstances to continue competing and participating in athletics. The phrase “make no excuses” comes to mind, and these athletes really put into perspective what is possible when you make up your mind to do something.

Do you know someone who #LivesInTheGame and has a story worth sharing? Head to our website to nominate them to be featured in our next issue! And we’re not just looking for athletes. You can #LiveInTheGame in all areas of life, and we want to help those people tell their stories too.

Follow @itgnext on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for exclusive giveaways and chances to win free apparel. You’ll also be the first to hear about new apparel launches and upcoming ITG Next events.

In the Game Apparel @ITGNext

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Magazine Director Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Player Profiles Photography Eric Vinson Dreaming Wild Photography Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Eric Vinson Dreaming Wild Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Beth Welch George McDuffie Oliver Thompson Karen Collier Feature Writers Phil Jones Alex Dunn Beth Welch Dominic Ligon Copy Editors Anna Limoges Beth Welch Advertising/Marketing Andrew Pipkin andrew@itgnext.com Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Digital Manager Mandy Douthit

Tell us what you thought about the February/March issue of In the Game! info@itgnext.com

Next Level T-Shirt

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In the Game is published bi-monthly. 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 2019 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

ITG Next | 11

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Mandy Douthit

aNNA Limoges

Chief Executive Officer

Creative Director

editor

Founder 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 unrivaled commitment toward 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, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the National Championship.

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors 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, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss in the National Championship.

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and three semesters as an ITG intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as an editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye and organizational prowess to the ITG team. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Andrew Pipkin Account Executive Born and raised in South Georgia, Andrew attended Valdosta State University where he obtained a degree in marketing and business. He is passionate about sports, especially high school football (Go Cats!). Andrew’s focus is to develop and cultivate relationships with businesses all around South Georgia. Like so many other Georgia Bulldogs fans, his hopes of a national championship increase every year, but in the end they are just long lost dreams.

Kendra Ehrenberg Video Coordinator

Beth WElch

Susannah Parmenter

Alex Dunn

Columbus Area Editor

NF Area Coordinator

Contributing Writer

A native of Tampa, Florida, Kendra is a recent graduate of the University of North Florida (Swoop!). Playing soccer most of her life, she is excited to work for a company that highlights student-athletes. She is currently living her dream of combining her love of sports and journalism into one career. When Kendra's not busy crying over the Bolts’ loss to the Caps last year, she is a dog mom to her sweet pup Sandy.

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.

Susannah Parmenter is a Florida transplant originally from California. After graduating from California State University, Fullerton, with a broadcast journalism degree, she continued her education with a meteorology degree from Florida State. Now as part of In the Game, she combines her journalism and broadcast skills to highlight the athletes who inspire and motivate us to release our inner champions.

Alex is a VSU graduate and contributing writer for In the Game. After interning for a year, she decided to continue writing for ITG after graduation. Now, she works for the Marietta Daily Journal, where she proofreads and designs page layouts for their publications. She uses her experience as a copy editing intern for ITG to help with the sports pages the most, while also using her freelance to keep her writing skills fresh. However, she only knows how well the Braves are doing when she is placing the game finals on the pages.

Micki Krzynski

Eric Vinson

Marque Milla Reese

Phil Jones

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Writer

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

Eric Vinson is a native of Lowndes County and a graduate of Valdosta High School. He recently got his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Valdosta State University in mass media. Eric loves taking photos, watching sports, and producing music.

Milla was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always see things differently than others as he drew on 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, Milla is living out that dream as a key contributor of ITG. With that said, the cries of “War Eagle” from them both have fallen strangely silent since 2010.

Phil Jones began lending his voice to In the Game in 2017. He serves as a radio station manager and host of two daily radio shows: “The Phil Jones Show” on WJHC Talk 107.4 and “The Afternoon Sports Drive” on WJEM AM-FM and on WJHC FM. Jones is a 20year veteran of the newspaper business, serving as manager of marketing and distribution for newspapers in Tifton, Albany, and Atlanta. He was recognized by the Georgia Press Association as “Georgia’s Top Newspaper Circulator” in 2003.

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Jon Nelson

Lacey Crandall

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Videography Intern

Dominic was born in Mobile, Alabama, but claims Georgia as home too. Although he’s lived half of his life in both states, he remains loyal to his Auburn Tigers. (War Eagle, baby!) He recently graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in communications from Valdosta State University. Poetry was his introduction into the writing world, as he’s hosted and participated in numerous local open mic events. Creative expression through literature is a tremendous passion of his.

Jon has been in TV for 27 years based in Atlanta. He graduated from Florida State with a B.S. in political science. Twenty-four of those years have been at GPB as a host and senior correspondent. He’s also written five books with more on the way! He is blessed with a far prettier wife, Patty, and his two furry children- a Pekingese named Trooper and a cat that acts more like a dog, Trouble. His avid following of every sports team in existence is a ploy to mask the shame of being a FSU graduate.

Lacey is a senior mass media student at Valdosta State University. She was born and raised in Deland, Florida, and discovered VSU through being recruited to play softball at the collegiate level. Her plans after graduation are still undecided, but she hopes to follow the sports media/videography pathway that she’s currently on. She hopes to have better luck in her future than the Washington Redskins have had with quarterbacks.

Want to Join the Intern Team?

Apply online at itgnext.com

Graphic Design

Journalism

Marketing

Social Media

Photography

Videography

Team USA T-Shirt

Classic Tank

Go to

Soccer T-Shirt

www.itgnext.com to Get In the Game today!

BE IN THE GAME

Dominic Ligon

ITG Next | 13

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ITG Next | 15

ITG Next Ambassadors 2018-19

Leo Galarza

Morgan Hill

Taylor Macera

Emma Dent

Shayla Jackson

Bridget Beck

Rylee Watson

Taylor Holmes

Anna Cook

Dallas Hunt

Peyton Matt

Will Matt

Alyssa Stein

Brooklyne Mangual

Bryanne Mathis

Daryana Davila

Clare Nijem

Elizabeth Evans

Kennedy Kimbro

Ray Gordon

Coffee - Junior

Pelham - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

16 | itgnext.com

Echols Co. - Senior

Tift Co. - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valwood - Junior

Echols Co. - Senior

Tift Co. - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Valwood - Junior

Lowndes - Freshman

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Valwood - Junior

Lowndes - Junior

Tiftarea - Senior

Valdosta - Senior

Valwood - Senior

Join ITG Next Ambassadors

Zach Paulk

Valwood - Junior

Not Pictured: Matthew Peters Cairo - Junior

Carson Ballenger Tift - Junior

During the 2017-18 school year, In the Game launched its inaugural ITG Next Ambassador Program.

Ideal candidates are high school students who have a strong social media presence and exhibit academic excellence, outstanding character, and a strong commitment to their schools and communities.

Ambassadors are given the opportunity to contribute to the vision of ITG Next and to play an important role in developing our brand through apparel, social media, and events.

They will also represent the ITG Next brand within their respective schools and communities.

Be a part of In the Game’s 2019-20 Ambassador Program!

Mikyla Woods

Lowndes - Senior

Nominate someone or apply online at itgnext.com/ambassador-program.

229.469.4892 www.smallcakescupcakery.com 3209 N. Oak Street Extension Valdosta, GA 31605

Dual Enrollment Inspired

by Helping Others Written by: Dominic Ligon | Photography by: Eric Vinson

Valencia Hill is a 17-yearold senior at Westover Comprehensive High School. This Albany, Georgia, native never shies away from any productive opportunity. She is the varsity basketball cheer captain, a Cadet Gunnery Sargent in Marine Corps Junior ROTC, and an honor student. She’s accomplished these feats all while getting her certification in phlebotomy, central sterilization, and nurse aid in Albany Technical College’s Dual Enrollment program.

With her mother being a registered nurse, it seems as if Hill was born to enter the nursing program. She credited her mother for inspiring her love to help others.

Hill is in her last semester of her high school career and has almost completed her all of her core classes for college as well. When she graduates, a full two years’ worth of college credits will be completed.

Hill described her daily routine with confidence and ease.

“In the morning, I intern at Wingfield Nursing Home; afterwards, I attend my Albany Tech Dual Enrollment classes," she said. "After that, I go to my high school classes, and then I finish up the day with cheerleading practice.”

This talented display of balance and initiative shows why Hill has accomplished so much at such a young age. In her spare time, Hill is just as productive. She enjoys playing tennis and is also involved in her church’s praise team.

Albany Tech’s Dual Enrollment program is offered in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. All eligible high school students are able to participate in most classes, as long as they score high enough on the SAT, ACT, PSAT or ACCUPLACER. From her own personal experience, Hill recommended that any students who are interested in Albany Tech’s Dual Enrollment program must not procrastinate.

“It helps a lot to use your time wisely,” she said. “If you’re considering entering the program, make sure you test the waters and pick the best classes for you.”

Hill said that the Dual Enrollment program gave her more of a hands-on experience within her field as opposed to mainly studying books in high school. Albany Tech also provides free text books for Dual Enrollment students.

Hill acknowledged that Albany Tech’s Dual Enrollment program has created new opportunities for her academic future. She has networked with many individuals who have the same interest in nursing and has been introduced to the college atmosphere before most of her peers. With her bright mindset and a head start on her schooling, Hill is in the perfect position to excel above and beyond average.

There’s no doubt that Hill has made the right decision for her future.

18 | itgnext.com

@ALBANY TECH

Dual Enrollment Work Ethic

Work ethics are a set of values based on the ideals of hard work and discipline. Building a reliable work ethic means training yourself to follow these values. The Dual Enrollment program focuses on developing: • • • • •

Attendance Character Teamwork Appearance Productivity

• • • •

Organizational skills Communication Cooperation Respect

To find out more information about earning college credit and getting a jump start on your career, visit

albanytech.edu/highschoolstudents

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Earn collge credit while in high school!

Nate Henderson, Senior

Fitzgerald High School and Dual Enrollment Student at Wiregrass

Contact your high school counselor or Wiregrass High School Coordinator today at highschoolservices@wiregrass.edu

wiregrass

g e o r g i a t e c h n i c a l c o l l e g eÂŽ

ACCREDITED

program

wiregrass.edu An Equal Opportunity Institution A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia

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What are the benefits of taking Wiregrass Technical College courses while in high school through Dual Enrollment?

• Degree-level core classes will transfer to University System of Georgia or Technical College System of Georgia colleges or universities plus many other colleges and universities outside of the state of Georgia.

• Transferability is dependent on many factors, including major.

• College credits count toward new high school rigor requirements and HOPE Scholarship rigor requirements.

• Tuition and textbooks are totally covered through the Dual Enrollment program, and Wiregrass exempts all student fees for high school students participating in Dual Enrollment. You are required to pay zero out-of-pocket expenses to attend Wiregrass while in high school.

• Students who participate in Dual Enrollment courses get a 0.5 boost in their HOPE Scholarship GPA calculation upon graduation from high school.

Dual Enrollment Better Shapes Students for College Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Anzlie Brogdon of Lanier County High School has taken Dual Enrollment classes ever since she was a freshman. Now, three years later, she is not only happy that many of her core classes for college are out of the way, but that she has also accomplished it before even graduating high school. Brogodon will have earned 45 college credits by the time she graduates this May. Brogdon’s honor class was approached by her principal and guidance counselor to participate in Wiregrass Technical College’s Dual Enrollment program, which lead her to begin the program her first semester of sophomore year. Professors come to her campus to teach, but she quickly found out that her schedule varied based on the classes she took each semester.

“Each Dual Enrollment schedule varied,” Brogdon said. “For instance, one of my history classes in the past, the professor came every day, but for some classes the professor may come twice a week, like the

current two classes I am taking now, which is pre-calculus and public speaking.”

Brogdon participates in softball, basketball, soccer, and track at her school. Although she has played sports her entire high school career, she has played softball since she was 6 and basketball since she was 10, so she is no stranger to balancing sports and school work.

With all these sports sidelining her academic career, it is clear that Brogdon’s schedule is not an easy one.

However, these are some of the factors that she claims helped her on her way to becoming a better and more prepared college student.

“Dual Enrollment and athletics combined allow me to become more responsible to get my work done,” she said. “You have to plan ahead and make sure you get assignments done before game day, but other than that, Dual Enrollment is worth participating in because you get to play sports while getting ahead in college.”

If Brogdon can participate in Dual Enrollment and four different sports during her last three years of high school, it can be even easier for students who don’t have as much on their plates and want to get ahead. Brogdon understands how much the Dual Enrollment program has impacted her not only because of her advancement in college before she even starts, but also because it has changed her productivity as a student and athlete.

“The Dual Enrollment program has shaped me into the student I am today,” she said. “The program has made me take education seriously because your future career will depend on your grades in college. I would recommend other students to take Dual Enrollment classes because it will help them get ahead in college and become prepared for actual college life. Dual Enrollment is free college credits, so it would be a good idea to take this opportunity.”

ITG Next | 21

Leadership at Its

FINEST Written by: Dominic Ligon Photography by: Eric Vinson

“I would definitely consider my leadership skills to be my strong suit.”

— Blaize Minick

To have the opportunity to finish college courses while still in high school is an exceptional way to get ahead of the game. Blaize Minick, an 18-year-old high school senior at Southeast Bulloch High School, recognizes the benefits of Dual Enrollment all too well. Born and raised in Brooklet, Georgia, Minick is a two-way athlete who plays football and baseball. While participating in high school athletics and academics, Minick has created a healthy balance by also enrolling in Ogeechee Technical College’s (OTC) Dual Enrollment program.

Sports have been a huge part of Minick’s life since the young age of 4.

Although he plays both football and baseball, Minick said baseball is his favorite sport. However, there are some similarities between his positions at quarterback and pitcher.

“I would definitely consider my leadership skills to be my strong suit,” he said.

It makes sense, with both positions being the

center of control for each sport. Minick taking early college classes through Ogeechee Technical College’s Dual Enrollment program demonstrates his ability to take control of his academic future too.

OTC’s Dual Enrollment program offers the opportunity to attain early college credits while still in high school. As long as certain scores are made in either the SAT, ACT, PSAT, COMPASS, or ASSET standardized tests, getting accepted into the program is simple.

Once desired scores are met, students enroll in college courses and receive textbooks at no cost to the student. Minick is now taking English 1101 and Math 1111 in OTC’s Dual Enrollment program; these core credits can be applied to both his high school graduation requirements and to almost any college he decides to attend in the future.

“The program allowed me to boost my high school GPA back to a 3.0, and the later Dual Enrollment classes allow me to even sleep in

"I seriously recommend OTC's program to any high school student.”

— Blaize Minick a tad bit longer in the mornings," he said. "I seriously recommend OTC's program to any high school student.”

Minick also takes two regular high school courses to finish off his last semester in high school.

Minick’s skills on the baseball field have provided the Yellow Jacket with several college scholarship offers. He plans on majoring in electrical engineering and credited his father, who works as an engineer, as his inspiration. Minick doesn’t want to waste any time where academics are involved and prides himself on taking the initiative of getting a head start on his college career. It seems as if Minick is on the road to success.

@ OGEECHEE TECH

Getting started on your college education has never been easier!

1. PRE-PLANNING

Meet with your high school counselor to discuss whether Dual Enrollment is an option for you.

2. ADMISSION

Contact OTC’s High School Coordinator for Admissions Requirements.

High School Coordinator dualenrollment@ogeecheetech.edu 22 | itgnext.com

3. ADVISEMENT

Upon admission, you will meet with your counselor and OTC’s High School Coordinator to discuss course options.

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ITG Next | 23

McCullough Triplets Find Their Sport Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Ethan, Cole, and Hunter McCullough grew up interested in playing sports like every other kid in South Georgia.

But when you’re 5-foot4 and weigh less than 100 pounds, finding just the right sport can be tricky.

Parents Christal and Don McCullough tried the usual sports: They registered the boys for t-ball and basketball with the IMPACT basketball group at Victory Baptist church. They liked basketball, but there’s that height issue.

So, in the summer of 2016, when the boys were

each 11 years old and between the fifth and sixth grades, they made their annual summer time visit to Augusta, Georgia, to see Carol McCullough (sister of Tom McCullough, the boys’ father), who was a youth coach at Evans High School.

When the boys arrived, their aunt was ready and waiting with an idea: What sport could work for kids like the triplets, who are a bit undersized, but athletically talented? The answer was wrestling. Their aunt sent Cole, Ethan, and Hunter to a one-week wres-

tling camp at Harlem High School in Columbia County, Georgia, run by Harlem High wrestling coach Kevin Waters. The three boys each loved it and agreed that when they returned home they would give it a shot.

But, they did admit that it was a little tough at first.

“We were shocked at first how physical it was," Cole said. "We were tiny.”

“We got thrown around a lot at first,” Ethan said.

But, the brothers were determined, Hunter said.

“After the first day of getting thrown around, we decided to stick together and learn the moves on each other,” Hunter said.

Entering the sixth grade at Hahira Middle School, Ethan, Cole, and Hunter joined the wrestling team.

Under the watchful eye of coach Brett Little, they adjusted to the rigid conditioning that wrestling demands. Hunter admitted that it was hard.

“That first year was really tough,” he said.

It was also obvious that the boys were beginners, but

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ETHAN

COLE HUNTER

Little certainly saw potential in each one.

“They are natural wrestlers,” Little said.

After completing their first year of wrestling, a family friend, Mike DiTomasso, suggested that the boys begin club wrestling with the South Georgia Athletic Club Devil Dogs, a local club wrestling team affiliated with USA Wrestling.

DiTomasso is a coach for the Devil Dogs, with Jason Griner serving as the head coach. DiTomasso’s son, Dominic, was a friend of the McCulloughs, and he persuaded his friends to join him at the Devil Dogs.

In addition to joining the Devil Dogs, Cole, Ethan, and Hunter also began attending wrestling camps during the summer.

Their conditioning improved, as did their skills.

Once school resumed, the boys began wrestling for the seventh-grade team. At this point, their skills, conditioning, and confidence were all noticeably better. They were wrestling full time, with the Devil Dogs in tournaments and with the middle school team.

Once middle school wrestling season was over, Griner suggested the boys begin a more advanced style of wrestling called Greco Roman/Freestyle.

(This is the style of wrestling practiced and utilized

by Olympic-caliber wrestlers.) With the boys learning this new style of wrestling, they began to attend several tournaments, gaining more experience.

They also began to place, which meant they were eligible to begin wrestling with Georgia’s National Team. Team Georgia coaches sent the triplets to camp for a week to begin working with their coaches. The boys then

Someone you can count on.

“They are natural wrestlers."

— Brett Little

had the opportunity to go to Indianapolis to wrestle in a National tournament, representing Team Georgia. Once they returned home, they ended their season with a tournament in Atlanta wrestling with the Devil Dogs. This ended a flurry of activity for the McCullough brothers as they got ready to enter the eighth grade and their final season wrestling with the middle school team.

Ethan, Cole, and Hunter were named team captains of the Hahira Middle School team, and they led the team to an undefeated season. Ethan went undefeated for the season, making him the 100-pound division champion. Cole lost just once, securing the runner-up spot in the 105-pound division. Hunter also secured the runner-up spot in the 95-pound division.

At this point, with the boys performing at such an elite level, coaches Little and DiTomasso recommended to Lowndes High School wrestling coach Spencer Graybeal that the McCullough brothers were ready to move up and begin wrestling with the junior varsity high school team. Graybeal agreed.

“I was really impressed with their work ethic,”

Graybeal said. “All three of the boys really showed a real love for the sport of wrestling and a hunger to learn. All three have been successful throughout the different levels of wrestling they have competed at so far.”

With the solid endorsement from their previous coaches and a welcome from their high school coach, Ethan, Cole, and Hunter were pulled up to the high school level after their middle school season ended in December. The brothers competed in three high school junior varsity tournaments and, to no one’s surprise, did quite well. Competing at the lowest level of 106 pounds, all three brothers placed either first, second, or third.

As far as the next step, Greybeal said the triplets will be ready to challenge for starting spots on next year's varsity team as they enter the ninth grade.

What will the future hold for the McCullough brothers? Cole, Hunter, and Ethan said their goal is to “stay together and get a college wrestling scholarship at Penn State or Oklahoma State University.”

Sticking together. Just as when they first started out. Brothers for life.

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Barry Broome

Smith Shaw Valwood School Tennis What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

Winning state in tennis.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Serena Williams.

She is strong, beautiful, and confident.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

Working in forensic psychology

ITG Next | 27

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Racing in the Genes Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

You can say that Colby Higgins was born to be a race car driver.

That’s a given. After all, he’s a fourth generation racer and has family on both sides who raced. It would be interesting to know if any of those family members began racing at the age of 8 years old, like Higgins did. Or, if any of those before him were racing a late model car at the age of 15, which Higgins is doing now. Higgins is a student at Highland Christian Academy in Valdosta during the weekdays, but on weekends and some evenings, he becomes a full-fledged race car driver.

Colby Higgins actually wanted to play basketball growing up, but didn’t have the height. What Higgins did have was the genetics. Racing was in his blood, so to speak. His father, Chuck Higgins, was a racer. So were both of his grandfa-

thers, Junior Higgins and Joe George.

On his mom’s side, her brother, Joey George, fielded cars in the very first NASCAR series, when racing was done on the beaches of Daytona.

So, its easy to see all of the influences surrounding a young Higgins. While this certainly helped, it was up to his pure racing talent and smarts, along with good support and equipment, if Higgins was going to make it in the world of competitive racing. Despite so much racing muscle in the family, Higgins and his family decided to seek guidance from someone outside the family, someone who could come in and provide another voice, perhaps someone who could see things from a different perspective.

Enter Mark Capehart from Jacksonville, Florida. Capehart began working with Higgins in the Beginner Rookie Class, spending three

years with the young driver, teaching him a slightly more advanced driving style. The next step was up to the Florida Dirt Championship Series, where T.J. Newton began working with Higgins. According to Higgins’s father Chuck, this is the time when Higgins enjoyed his most success. Still in Karts, and now 12 years old, Higgins moved steadily up to Junior one and Junior 2 Series, where he won two track championships and a Florida State Championship.

With Higgins showing that he had what it took to not just compete, but win, the family decided to take Higgins out of karts and make the next jump — a big one — to a full-sized car.

According to his dad, the team decided to take 18 months off and get Higgins prepared to jump straight into a fullsized V-8 engine car.

“We actually skipped a step here, going from

“We actually skipped a step here, going from karts to a full size V-8.”

— Chuck Higgins

karts to a full-size V-8,” Chuck Higgins said. “It’s been a huge learning curve. The power and the weight of the car is something Colby has had to get used to, and we spent that year and a half practicing and practicing.”

But Higgins seemed to catch on right away.

He’s been running at Needmore Speedway for one year now, consistently running in the top 10 on the famous South Georgia dirt track.

Now, Higgins will try his skill on a different type of track. He has just signed an agreement with Chase Dixon Motorsports to run 12 races on an asphalt track at Kingsport Motor

Speedway in Kingsport, Tennessee. Higgins is making a name for himself, not just in the racing world, but in the corporate world too. N2 Plus, a nitrogen company out of Alpharetta, Georgia, has become a sponsor of Higgins’s Late Model No. 99 car.

The next stop for Higgins could be where family members before him once raced, in the capital of auto racing, Daytona Beach, Florida. Stay tuned.

ITG Next | 29

Lifetime Wrestler Turns to Golf After Health Scare Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Micki K Photography

Trent Broome has quite the story to tell, with, as he put it, “some ups and some downs.”

He began wrestling as early as the third grade. He had also been playing baseball, but a friend and neighbor who was an accomplished wrestler encouraged Broome to start devoting more time to wrestling. The friend was Miles Parramore, who won two straight state titles with Valwood. Broome said that Parramore was a major influence on his decision to keep wrestling.

While Broome began wrestling, he did find time to occasionally play golf, as he and his family were members of the Valdosta Country Club. That time spent and experience gained playing golf turned out to be an important skill, as Broome and his family later learned.

Broome and Parramore continued to wrestle together with the local South Georgia Athletic Club Wrestling team the Devil Dogs, coached by Jason Griner.

Broome earned many awards and racked up a tremendous win-loss record during his middle school career, both with Hahira Middle School team and the Devil Dogs Club.

Broome transfered to Valdosta High School entering the ninth grade, and that’s when his story began to take a turn. Wrestling at sectionals, and winning 8-0 over

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his opponent, Broome put his arm out to catch himself.

Landing awkwardly, Broome broke his collarbone.

“I knew right away,” Broome said. “Something was wrong.”

It was a bad break — in more ways than one.

Broome’s season was done, but he had finished 5114, qualified for state (despite the collarbone break), and was recognized once again for his classroom accomplishments, as he was awarded the Valdosta High School Wrestling Academic Award.

He recovered from the broken collarbone and resumed wrestling in the 10th grade, but then Broome began to feel sluggish.

“I knew something wasn’t quite right with my body,” he said. “I was getting tired for no reason. I was training as hard as I could. I couldn’t understand it.”

Broome tried to push on, but knew something was wrong. So did those around him.

His coach at Valdosta, John Robbins, said it was baffling.

“Last year Trent was a state medalist for our team as a sophomore and earned both the Academic Award and the Leadership Award for our region championship and state Final Four team," Robbins said. "His exceptional work on the mat was vital to our success. Although he medaled in the traditional state championships, his parents and myself were confused at Trent's performance.”

“I was losing to opponents that I had easily defeated before,” Broome said. “I would be winning the match and just run out of energy. I was winning 8-0, and my opponent came back and beat me 10-0. That is just unheard of.”

About a week after completing state, Broome noticed his shoulder was hurting (on the opposite side from his collarbone injury).

“My mom is a nurse, and she told me that it (the pain) was probably coming from my opponents working on it, trying to find a weak spot,” Broome said.

The shoulder pain continued, along with a fever of over 100 degrees. A trip to the doctor, along with blood work, revealed that Broome had mono. His white blood cell count was through the roof. Broome was sick.

There was still, however, the shoulder pain. So, Broome’s family took him to his pediatrician, Dr. John Alvarado, who decided to order X-rays, including a chest X-ray. It showed a mass in Broome’s chest area. Broome talked about how serious it was.

“When the X-ray showed there was a mass, Dr. Alvarado told my mom that we had to get me to Wolfson Children's Hospital, which they did,” he said.

After spending three days in intensive care, and everyone worried that it could be cancerous, doctors performed a biopsy on the mass. To the relief of everyone, it revealed only necrotic tissue. Broome pointed to one thing he was grateful to receive just before going in for his biopsy.

“About 10 minutes prior to going back for the biopsy, I received a prayer blanket,” he said.

Broome continued to receive powerful antibiotics in the hospital to rid his body of the dead tissue over the course of approximately 10 days. An MRI showed a significant reduction in his mass, good enough to let him go home. He remained out of school for another two months while continuing to receive homebound care.

Broome has healed and is on his way back to being an active, healthy 16-year-old student-athlete.

“I’m very happy that Trent has recovered,” Robbins said. “We look forward to him rejoining our team to help us defend our 2019 state championship.”

That, Broome said, is still up in the air.

“We are approaching things very cautiously,” Broome said.

“Because we never received an exact diagnosis on what caused the mass, we have to assume it could’ve been from anything.”

With wrestling on hold, Broome has fallen back on the experience and skills he learned in golf. He is playing golf on the Valdosta golf team, and despite not having played competitive golf in a long time, he is shooting in the low 80s, a score Broome is OK with for now.

“I’m just glad to be back,” said the newest member of coach Israel Troupe’s Wildcat golf team.

As far as returning to wrestling, we'll have to wait and see.

“Hopes are high right now,” Broome said. “It's all in God’s hands. If I am led to go back, then I will. Only time and hard thought will tell now.”

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ITG Next | 31

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

The most memorable moment of my sports career would have to be when I won state for girls 1A public shot put in 2018.

Who has helped you the most in your sports career?

My strength and conditioning coach, Jason Blair, has made a tremendous impact on my sports career.

He always pushes me to be the best and nothing but the best.

After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

After my sports career is over, I plan on being an athletic trainer and also having my own practice.

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Krystian Jones

Pelham High School Track and Field Shot Put

itgnext.com

ITG Next | 33

Sullivan Shoulders Birth Defect Through

DANCE

Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Milla Creationz Photography

Caroline Sullivan, senior at Tiftarea Academy, has danced 15 out of the 18 years of her life. She wasn’t introduced for traditional reasons, however, but because she needed it as a form of physical therapy at a young age.

Sullivan was born with a rare congenital birth defect called Sprengel's Deformity, which is when the shoulder blade is abnormally connected to the spine.

She had surgery when she was 4 to help treat the defect and since then has needed a form of physical therapy, which she will need for the rest of her life.

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“Some days I get really discouraged, but I tell myself I cannot give up and there is always tomorrow to try again.”

— Caroline Sullivan

Her parents decided to enroll her at the Carolyn Ellis School of Dance, where she learned different ways of moving her body with her condition.

“During dance, it mainly affects my range of motion,” Sullivan said. “Some days I get really discouraged, but I tell myself I cannot give up and there is always tomorrow to try again.”

While Sullivan’s perseverance and determination are notable, she has always had three supporting women throughout her dancing career.

“Missy Hutto, my ballet teacher, has always un-

derstood my shoulder deformity,” Sullivan said. “She has showed me how to move my body in different ways to where my shoulder deformity would be less noticeable. Mallory Ward, owner of the studio, has taught me for the majority of my dance career. She knows me and my limits better than anyone else I know. I will never forget the day that she helped me accomplish my first back bend, which the doctors told me I would never be able to do. Erin Womack has been a huge role model throughout my life. She has taught me to dance with my heart and my body will just follow along.”

Womack, who has been at the Carolyn Ellis School of Dance for 20 years, has nothing but affectionate words for her student's success.

“Even though Caroline has a shoulder blade condition, it is overlooked more often than not due to her ability to overcome,” Womack said. “I have seen her dance in large groups, small groups, and even by herself on stage. I do not notice any difference in Caroline because she has overcome many obstacles with hours of practice and determination as well as a ‘can do’ attitude.”

Sullivan’s favorite styles of dance are jazz and lyrical, genres that Womack said are notable on stage.

“These genres of dance tend to pull out her performance side as well as her technical abilities,” Womack said. “She also puts on the right face and tells stories with her dancing.”

Sullivan has been on the competition team for eight years now and knows how much hard work and perseverance it takes to stay on top while still loving every minute of what she does.

“We always work extremely hard during our onand offseasons and bring home many high placing awards,” Sullivan said. “The best feeling in the world is placing well at a competition because you realize that all the hour-long practices, lots of sweat — and sometimes even tears — have finally paid off.”

While it is a thrill to bring home the big trophy, Sullivan understands that her true passion is not about winning, but dance itself.

“The best feeling in the world is placing well at a competition because you realize that all the hourlong practices, lots of sweat — and sometimes even tears — have finally paid off.”

— Caroline Sullivan

“I feel like dance is a way to find yourself and lose yourself at the same time,” she said. “Every day I strive to be better than I was the day before. I work hard and try to be the best role model I can for my younger peers.

Dance has played a huge role in my life.

It has not only just taught me dance moves, but it has helped me learn to love myself and my teammates. It has also given me major opportunities.”

ITG Next | 35

Sullivan has danced in Disney World multiple times and has participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade twice. Womack cannot think of anyone more deserving of these opportunities.

“Caroline will always stand out in my mind for her perseverance,” Womack said. “She has never said, ‘I can't,’ or even shown that something was out of her ability to achieve. She never complains. She pushes through to achieve her best. She is an inspiration to many, myself included.”

Sullivan plans to further her education after high school and become a physical therapist. She has accomplished so much already, and it all comes down to one thing.

“Growing up, I was really self-conscious about [my defect]," Sullivan said.

"I was worried about people noticing and asking me about it, but the older I got, I realized that this was a part of who I was and how God made me. There are still certain things that my shoulder will simply just not allow me do to, but I give it my best shot and do it anyway to the best of my ability.”

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ITG Next | 37

Track Athlete Looking For Back-to-Back State Wins Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: Beth Welch

Jonathan Myrthil is It was during those fast. Very fast. Last year, middle school days Myrthil took first place Myrthil realized he had in the GHSA Class 4A a strong competitive 800-meter dash finals spirit. That desire to win with a time of 1:53.74. propelled him to run The Northside High sometimes to his own School senior is looking downfall, but it also gave to go back to state in him a vision of what he that event for back-to- might be able to do. back wins.

“I started to see I “I think I have it in could get to use it (runme," he said. "I can see ning) to pay for an edume having the right time cation," he said. "It also for it. That would be un- became a great pastime." heard of.

His middle school The 5-foot-9, track events included 150-pound athlete is as the 400 and 800, as well outgoing as he is fast as the 4x100-meter relay on his feet. He is quick and the 4x400-meter reto laugh and enjoys en- lay. Myrthil even particigaging in conversation. pated in the discus. When Myrthil is also a team it came time to attend player. Running individu- high school, the runner al track events is his forte, had thoughts of going but the talented runner to another Columbus also finds being a part of school, but in the end his a team rewarding. competitive spirit made For three of his four the choice for him. years at “I took “I took a visit to Northside, a visit to Myrthil ran Northside. I really Northside," cross counhe said. "I liked the staff try in the and the magnet really liked fall. He got program, but what the staff and his start the magnet running as a hooked me was I p r o g r a m , cross coun- saw a picture of a but what try athlete state track winner hooked me at Faith Mid- and I decided I was was I saw a dle School picture of a going to replace state track at Fort Benthat picture.” ning, Georwinner and gia. He said I decided I — Jonathan Myrthil the school was going principal asked him to to replace that picture.” participate in the sport.

His freshman year After he had success Myrthil ran cross counwith cross country, the try and track, placing coach made him an of- second at state in the fer he couldn’t refuse 800. He admitted he about running track for was somewhat overconthe school. fident in his abilities that 38 | itgnext.com

year and placing second gave him a much-needed reality check to learn he was, “not all that.”

Competing at the high school level involved a learning curve that was enhanced by Myrthil’s involvement in the summer Junior Olympic program.

By the time he finished his sophomore year, he was more mature in his thinking and grounded in his techniques.

Last year Myrthil skipped running cross country to give himself a break, but he never stopped running. His dedication and hard work paid off with his first-place finish in the spring in the 800 finals. That win has fired up his competitive spirit to take first place again as a senior.

He was a member of the cross country team in the fall and has been running the 400, 800, and 4x400 relay for the Patriots this track season. Myrthil said he loves the team aspect of both sports. While he hasn’t decided where he will run next year, it’s a safe bet he will be in the lead somewhere.

“I hate to lose,” Myrthil said, smiling.

Jonathan Myrthil was born in Hawaii and moved to Columbus, Georgia, when he was 10 years old. He said he was always energetic and was outside going everywhere in Hawaii.

That might account for his passion to participate in sports that are all about running.

“Jonathan’s strength, that I have observed, is his ability to match his opponents’ level of competitiveness during an event he is running in. He seems to always rise to the challenge. He has an overwhelming will to win.”

— Joe Sanders, Northside High School, boys track coach

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ITG Next | 39

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Fighting to Stay Together Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Eric Vinson

There’s an old saying: Families that break bread together are families that stay together. The Spells family doesn’t only believe in breaking bread together; they actually break boards together. That’s one of the many techniques the Spells family has picked up while learning taekwondo together.

Will and Jessica Spells are the owners of S and S Automotive and Diesel of Valdosta, Georgia, and they — along with kids William, Gabriel, and Ashlyn, plus Will’s father, Bill Spells — are all taking taekwondo classes together at Performance Martial Arts Academy, located in Remerton, Georgia.

The Spells' interest in martial arts started in 1990 when Bill Spells took son Will to taekwondo classes. Their interest in martial arts lasted for about two years, until the company business demanded more of Bill’s time. They had to

stop, but intended to pick it back up, which they did…

27 years later.

In October of 2017, William, then age 7, came home from school one day, saying he wanted to start going to “karate” class. There was a classmate who was involved

in martial arts, and William wanted to join him.

According to father Will, things hadn’t worked out with other sports.

“William tried baseball and football, but he just wasn’t interested,” Will said. “He had mentioned his friend at school who was involved in karate, so we asked him if he wanted to do it, too.”

Just like in the early '90s, business is still booming at S and S Automotive and Diesel, thus making it hard for Will and Jessica to take off and take Will to mid-day classes. That’s where Bill Spells comes back in the picture. He offered to take his grandson to the classes. That’s where he ran into his former teacher, master Mitchell Church, who encouraged Bill to consider joining along with his grandson, William.

“Master Mitchell Church asked me to start back up, so I said, 'OK,'" Bill said.

With her father-in-law and son enrolled at master Church’s studio, Jessica Spell thought it would be great for husband Will to join them.

“Will never takes a lunch break," she said.

"He never leaves the shop, and I can see the stress it puts on him. So, I thought it would be a great way to relieve some stress and

get away from the shop.”

And, if it's good for three members of the family, why not have the rest of the Spell family join in? That’s exactly

what they did. Jessica and her oldest daughter also joined the classes, leaving the youngest, Ashlyn, as the only Spell family member not active in the karate classes under master Church. But, according to father Will, her time will come.

“Give her time,” he said. “She’s too young right now, but it won't be long until she’ll join the rest of us.”

So far, the family has participated in several area tournaments, winning 15 total medals as a family, including eight first-place medals.

“Dad (Bill) is a first degree black belt and will be testing for second degree in October," Will said. "Will (William) just tested for purple belt and will test for his black belt in September of this year. Gabriel and Jessica just tested out of their white and into their orange belts."

One thing is certain: Don’t mess with the Spells.

#LiveInTheGame

TIPS ON IMPLEMENTING HEALTHY HABITS Schedule or Plan Out For us to keep our healthy habits consistent, a well thought out strategy must first be implemented. A thought that doesn’t have a plan is obsolete. Using a vision board or weekly planner will help organize your healthy habits.

Create Reliable Incentives Competition is in our human nature. Next time you struggle with accomplishing a goal, create a friendly competition with an accountability partner: Whoever doesn’t achieve the set goal owes the other a dollar.

No one wants to lose money, and this will create more of an incentive to push yourself to the next level.

Passion for Dancing Many ballerinas stop dancing only 15-20 years into their careers. Madame Poole has been dancing for over 70 years and plans to keep at it as long as she can. She once traveled the world performing and now teaches younger dancers.

Information and photo courtesy of aleteia.org

Never Too Old to Learn a New Skill Gary Marquardt took up playing the trumpet when he was 66 years old so that he could play “Taps” for fallen soldiers. He enlisted in the military when he was younger, but was deemed unfit to serve due to medical reasons. Now 70, Marquardt doesn’t intend to quite anytime soon.

Information courtesy of goodnewsnetwork.org

Change Your Surroundings and Habits You are who you hang around. If your environment doesn’t match your new habits, then something is wrong. Try to align your thoughts and your company accordingly.

Take Photos of Your Meals Let’s say your goal is to eat healthier this year. A creative method is to take a picture on your phone of every meal you consume. This will not only document your eating habits, but also keep you self-aware of each meal that you intake.

6 Empowering Personal Development Self Beliefs “Profits are better than wages.”

“For things to change, you have to change.”

“Don’t wish it were easier. Wish you were better.”

A Fairy Tale Closet Local residents and retail outlets in Dallas, Texas, have donated hundreds of prom dresses to the Dallas Public Library. The library gives the dresses to high school seniors for free so that they can save money for college and are still be able to wear a beautiful dress to prom.

Information and photo courtesy of goodnewsnetwork.org

“Don’t wish for fewer problems.

Wish for more skills.”

“Don’t wish for less challenge. Wish for more wisdom.”

“You can do the most remarkable things, no matter what happens.”

Quotes courtesy of Jim Rohn, The Day That Turned Your Life Around

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䈀唀䤀䰀䐀䤀一䜀 伀唀刀

䌀伀䴀䴀唀一䤀吀夀 吀䠀刀伀唀䜀䠀

匀倀伀刀吀匀 ☀ 吀伀唀刀䤀匀䴀

䈀䔀䌀伀䴀䔀 䄀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀 ☀ 䜀䔀吀 䤀一匀䤀䐀䔀刀 䄀䌀䌀䔀匀匀 吀伀 匀倀伀刀吀匀 䤀一 䨀䄀堀℀

䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䤀匀 䘀刀䔀䔀 眀眀眀⸀樀愀砀猀瀀漀爀琀猀⸀挀漀洀

䤀一䐀䤀嘀䤀䐀唀䄀䰀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䤀匀 䘀刀䔀䔀⸀ 䄀䐀䐀䤀吀䤀伀一䄀䰀 䴀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀匀䠀䤀倀 䈀䔀一䔀䘀䤀吀匀 䄀嘀䄀䤀䰀䄀䈀䰀䔀 䄀吀 倀䄀䤀䐀 䰀䔀嘀䔀䰀⸀ ITG Next | 43

A Star Is

BORN Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Oliver Thompson

ship skills and raw talent that prompted Limscomb University to offer Like many of her friends, Haley Williams grew up playing different her a scholarship, she led her Glynn Academy team to four consecusports including softball, basketball, and tennis. She also played soctive shutout wins in the playoffs over Northside Warner-Robins (9-0), cer, and Williams knew right away that was the one sport that she truly Heritage Conyers (2-0),Creekview (1-0), and Pope (1-0). This advanced loved and wanted to totally devote her time to. So, it was soccer only Glynn to the state championship game against Alpharetta. Unfortumoving forward for Williams. nately, Williams and her team’s magical season came to an end with a Williams was born in Augusta, Georgia, but her parents moved the hard fought 3-2 loss. The defeat was the lone loss for Glynn Academy family to Glynn County when Williams was just 2 years old. It was there in an otherwise perfect season, which saw the Red Terrors finish 21-1. that she began playing soccer as early as kindergarten with the local recWilliams, still just a junior, will have this season and next to try reation department. She then moved up to club soccer in the third grade to help get her and her teammates back to the title with a team based out of Jekyll Island, the Golden Isles Soccer Association. Her coach there was Tom Lemmon, "She is a leader on and off game. Lemmon is glad to have a player like Williams. coached Haley for six years," Lemmon said. who just happens to be her current head coach with the field with her hard work "She“I ishave a leader on and off the field with her hard work the Glynn Academy Red Terrors soccer team. Lemmon saw the potential in Williams at an early age and and unmatched work ethic. and unmatched work ethic. The younger girls look up thought she could benefit even more by going to play The younger girls look up to to her, and she always goes out of her way to make sure with the Armada, a club soccer program based in Jack- her, and she always goes out everyone is included. She plays with such great vision and has a great first touch on the ball. She really excels sonville. The Armada plays host to promising young soccer players from around South Georgia and North of her way to make sure ev- at the game of soccer.” eryone is included. She plays But, soccer isn’t the only thing Williams excels at.

Florida, with several age groups represented.

Williams was playing with the Armada as she en- with such great vision and Her GPA is over a 4.0, and she has just been inducted into the National Honor Society. tered the seventh grade. This is when she also began has a great first touch on Looking ahead to her future, Williams said pro playing with the Glynn Middle School team. In her second year with the middle school team, Williams led the ball. She really excels at soccer is something she thinks about — and for good reason. She not only has confidence in her own talent, her team to a 4-0 victory over rival Frederica Academy, the game of soccer.” but it's already been accomplished by a local talent: scoring three goals as the Terrors secured the Coastal — Tom Lemmon Morgan Bryan, who is a member of the U.S. National Georgia Middle School Conference Championship.

Soccer Team, hails from Glynn County.

Williams continued to shine entering the ninth “I’d really love an opportunity to play pro soccer," Williams said. grade, at which point she began playing for the Glynn Academy High "There’s already a local player (Bryan) that made it, so that gives me School soccer team, where she was reunited with Lemmon. Williams something to strive for.” was an All-Region selection in her freshman season with the Red Terrors.

As far as what her plans are past soccer, Williams said she really Things really came together for Williams and her teammates last season, Williams’s sophomore year. The Lady Red Terrors ran through hasn’t thought about that just yet. their regular season opponents in stunning fashion, going undefeated “I’m just concentrating on soccer right now,” she said. with a 17-0 record. Lemmon’s team entered the GHSA Class 6A playoffs Talk about focus. as the No. 1 seed out of Region 2. With Williams showing the leader-

44 | itgnext.com

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46 | itgnext.com

Golfer Followed Brother’s Lead

Golfers With 6 or More Major Wins

Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

Sometimes, a little sister tagging along has a good outcome. In the case of Sanders Hinds, following after her big brother led to passion for playing golf and a possible collegiate career.

A junior at Brookstone School, Hinds had been a tennis player for many years. Because she had a tendency to hang out with her brother, Walker, Hinds often accompanied him to the golf course. Eventually, she decided to put away her tennis racket and pick up a golf club.

There are some real differences between the two sports, especially when it comes to the swing. Was that a hard transition?

“Not really," Hinds, 16, said. "My brother helped me and showed me what to do.”

At first, Hinds found great pleasure in playing golf for fun. Right around the eighth grade, she said she developed a sense she might be able to use her newfound golf skills to go to college on a scholarship. She also discovered about that

same time that she had a strong competitive spirit.

“I do not like to lose," she said. "Back then I would kind of get down on myself, but I’ve learned how to handle it better.”

The right-handed, petite athlete has become quite a competitive golfer. Last year, as a sophomore, Hinds was the low medalist at the Maple Ridge Jr. Girls Classic with a score of 72. She is the first Brookstone female golfer to do so. At the area tournament, Hinds was low medalist and led the Lady Cougars to first place. She was also the low scorer for her school at the state tournament where her team took second place.

In addition to playing at Brookstone, Hinds is a year-round golfer competing in travel tournaments.

Almost every day, the talented golfer can be found on a golf course somewhere practicing or playing. The travel tournaments have been especially good for her, in Hinds’ opin-

Jack Nicklaus 18 Tiger Woods 14 Walter Hagen 11 Ben Hogan 9 Gary Player 9 ion. She has competed against quality golfers from many other countries and learned to stay calm under the pressure of facing unknown opponents on unfamiliar courses.

Occasionally, Hinds will get an opportunity to play against a very familiar opponent. Walker Hinds is a freshman off at college, but the two of them sometimes get to hit the links, and Hinds admitted a little sibling rivalry takes over.

For this spring, Hinds hopes to improve her golf game by becoming more consistent and lowering her score. She has her eyes set on the

“Of course I like being outside, but there is something about the game of golf, the rules, and I guess you would say the etiquette of the game. I really find those things add to playing it.”

prize of a state championship title for her team.

Earlier this year she went on a school tour of colleges, but so far Hinds has not made any decisions. She is keeping her options open because she still has another year of golf ahead.

Brookstone girls golf coach Karen Hearn thinks Hinds has a bright future.

“Sanders keeps breaking records for Brookstone girls golf, and I look forward to seeing her progress this year as she aims to play college golf when her high school career is done,” Hearn said.

When asked why the game of golf is so important to her, Hinds turned thoughtful for a moment.

“Of course I like being outside, but there is something about the game of golf, the rules, and I guess you would say the etiquette of the game," she said. "I really find those things add to playing it."

Tom Watson 8 Bobby Jones 7 Arnold Palmer 7 Gene Sarazen 7 Sam Snead 7 Harry Vardon 7 Nick Faldo 6 Lee Trevino 6

— Sanders Hinds

ITG Next | 47

Esports Ganks Sports World Written by: Alex Dunn | Photography by: Eric Vinson

The GHSA has officially made esports, competitive video gaming, part of the athletic roster in participating Georgia schools.

Colquitt County High School is able to experience this first-hand, making a significant impact on students and faculty.

Ashley Hodge, head coach of Packer esports for Colquitt, works alongside her co-coach, Bobby Stinson, to coach League of Legends, which has seven teams, and Rocket League, which has two.

They were hired by the school after the sport became a part of the roster for the new school year.

The credentials and training for coaches depends on the school, Hodge said. For her and Stinson, they had to have a love of coaching students for a complicated esports game, paired with a willingness to adapt.

With League of Legends, five students make up one team, and with Rocket League three students make up one team.

Currently there are 65 students total who participate; that alongside competitions twice a week means that both coaches have a lot to handle.

“In the beginning, those days were extremely stressful,”

Hodge said. “With 65 students and two coaches, it can be hectic trying to put out multiple fires at once on game day.

During competitions, students focus on teamwork, strategy, and communication.”

Practices occur throughout the week and into the weekends, with plenty of information to learn.

“During League of Legends practices, both coaches will circulate among our seven League teams and two Rocket League teams offering tips, strategies, and guidance on game mechanics, champion synergy, and champion building,” Hodge said. “Other times, coaches will join in matches with different teams to demonstrate certain strategies, abilities, and champions.

Other times, the coaches play videos of past matches to analyze, discuss, and improve upon.

The players also watch pro League players compete in regionals, nationals, and the world cup.

Furthermore, we have biweekly challenges were substitute players can challenge main players for a main spot on a team. [We] feel this ap-

proach allows for substitutes to switch roles and for students to be motivated to continue honing their skills, teamwork, and communication.”

Students interested in joining must pass an academic ability check.

If a student failed classes or does not have enough credit hours, the student cannot play per the guidelines for GHSA and CCHS. Both esports coaches stress the importance of academics to players.

According to Hodge, colleges are even offering scholarships now in esports, which can provide a great opportunity for a capable student. Hodge said that she sees quite a few students who have enough skill and passion to choose that path.

“They have become coaches, team captains, and leaders among their peers,” Hodge said. “ Many of them have increased their attendance and academic grades. By providing a school with esports, you provide students a future.”

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Macee Chappuis Valdosta High School Golf What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date?

My most memorable moment would be the first time my golf team made it to state. I will always remember the excitement and anticipation.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

My biggest sports inspiration is Jordan Speith. His openness about the work ethic and desire it takes to be the best has always had an effect on my outlook of sports.

If you could play any other sport, what would it be?

If I could play any other sport, it would be swimming. I have always wanted to try it because it’s a completely different type of challenge than any other sport.

ITG Next | 51

SJRA’s Honor Roll Students

Riding to Compete Written by: Dominic Ligon | Photography by: Micki K. Photography

The Southern Junior Rodeo Association is an organization that allows students ages 5-18 to compete in rodeo related events. SJRA is primarily based in South Georgia and North Florida. It gives the youth a chance to express themselves in one of the most traditional southern sports. Crissy Staley, SJRA secretary, described the event as a perfect opportunity to present another realm of competition for the youth.

“The Southern Junior Rodeo Association introduces the sport of rodeo to kids who have dreams of competing on a larger scale," she said. "It’s a great way to give the kids more competitive options.”

The SJRA hosts numerous rodeo competitions, with many of the events being judged by the fastest time. Since the rodeo is open to a wide range of ages, there aren’t any rough stock events. SJRA is open to both males and females, and as of right now the cowgirls outnumber the cowboys. This shows that rodeo is a sport that has no limits and is open for anyone to dominate.

Members of the SJRA are known to be supportive of each other, but also competitive. Although it is a regional organization, it has been known to introduce competitive cowgirls and cowboys to a national level where kids can compete in rodeos against more experienced adults. This is always a great way to build character and confidence. Staley's son, Travis Staley, is now actively involved in the organization. The 14-year-old acknowledged that the SJRA has taught him essential life lessons as well.

“Rodeo has taught me work ethic," he said. "If you want to be good in this sport, you have to work hard. You can’t just dream about being a winner.”

SJRA has even developed and prepared young athletes to move up the ranks and compete on the professional level. This proves that the organization produces top tier cowgirls and cowboys.

The SJRA also offers a family-oriented atmosphere. The transportation of equipment and traveling from city to city provides plenty of time for loved ones to build a closer bond. It also creates a healthy social environment for the kids to interact with each other. Engaging kids with others through friendly competition builds great character.

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Kylee McMillan (14, Enigma, Ga) Nathan Gray (13, Tifton, Ga) Beau West (14, Nashville, Ga) Danny Ann Hall (13, Tifton, Ga) Kirby Rice (13, Nashville, Ga) Cooper Rice (7, Nashville, Ga) Courtney Stalvey (14, Valdosta, Ga) Anniston Groom (13 Hahira, GA) Travis Staley (14, Nashville, GA)

5 Rodeo Competition Events Barrel Racing

This is an event in which a horse and rider maneuver around 55-gallon barrels in a clover-like pattern as fast as possible. An athletic steed and crafty horsemanship are essential.

Pole Bending

A mounted rider and horse weave through six poles arranged in a straight line exactly 21 feet apart from each other. A consistent pattern and rhythm are the key to this timed event.

Tie-down Roping

Also known as calf roping, this rodeo event features a calf, horse, and rider. The goal of this timed event is for the rider to catch the calf by throwing a lasso around its neck, dismount from the horse, run to the calf, and restrain it by tying three legs together as quickly as possible.

Goat Tying

This is an event in which the participant rides to a tethered goat, dismounts, catches the goat, and ties any three of its legs together. The goat must stay tied for six consecutive seconds after the contestant has backed away from the animal. If the goat becomes untied before six seconds have passed, the rider receives no score.

Steer Wrestling

Steer wrestling or bulldogging is an event in which a horse-mounted cowboy chases a steer, drops from the horse to the steer, then wrestles the steer to the ground by grabbing its horns and pulling it off balance so that it falls to the ground. The event carries a high risk of injury to the competitor.

Inclusion Fosters Love of Sports Written by: Alex Dunn Photography by: Micki K Photography

An adaptive athlete is someone who strives to participate in sports despite a mental or physical disability. Will Gillis, 20, has Trisomy 21 Down syndrome and is one of those athletes who has loved to play anything and everything from an early age.

Gillis's mother, Lisa Gillis, said that her son was always an energetic child, so when he became old enough to participate in sports, she signed him up for anything he could play.

“Just as any active child, Will has always enjoyed watching and playing all types of sports,” she said. “He is quite the athlete.

He was swimming at the age of 3, even before he could walk.”

Gillis started participating in the Special Olympics in elementary school. Since then, he has participated in so many events that it is hard to keep track. Alongside Special Olympic Games like track and field, flag football, golf, basketball, bowling, and volleyball, Gillis also participates in Miracle League baseball and Special Forces basketball.

When asked what his favorite sport was, he promptly responded "all of them." If Gillis isn’t competing, then he is on the sidelines cheering or coaching. His favorite part about competing is making new friends and bringing home medals and ribbons.

Gillis graduated from Brantley County High School with his class in 2018 and is able to still attend school games because he is a part of a transition program that allows him to work off campus and at the school.

Gillis has always had a strong support system from his mother, father, sister, and coach Jordan Strickland, who first met Gillis in his ninth-grade year.

“She (Strickland) has gone above and beyond to include him in all of her athletic ventures,” Lisa Gillis said. “He attends her girls softball practices and games, her basketball practices and games, and her golf practices and matches.”

Gillis has a large collection of trophies, medals, ribbons, and certificates from the many sports activities he has participated in through Special Olympics, school team sports, Miracle League baseball, and Special Forces basketball. One honor he especially treasures is his crown from being named 2018 Prom King by his senior class.

Gillis exemplifies the best qualities of an adaptive athlete. He does not allow his limitations to dictate 54 | itgnext.com

what he can and cannot do. His mother explained that a big part of that confidence and motivation comes from his school.

“The Brantley County School System is an exceptional place for exceptional students,” she said. “The students, administration, coaches, and teachers have lovingly fostered an environment of true inclusion where Will has accomplished more than we ever dreamed.

He is excited to go to school each day and be a part of his 'can do' community. There has been no limit to what he has been able to achieve. Depending on the season, it is not unusual to find Will hanging out in the dugout, standing on the sideline, or sitting on the bench with his buddies at sporting events.”

ITG Next | 55

All about the sports ball Written by: Alex Dunn

One of the most important elements in playing sports is the equipment, and more specifically, sports balls and how to use them properly. To understand that, learning the composition of the ball and why it is shaped the way it is may determine the skill and focus it takes to stay in the game.

According to Wolverine Sports, the quality and construction of sports balls depends on the action the ball will be playing and how they are used in the game.

Below are some examples of what a few sports balls are made out of and why they are the shape that they are.

Baseball

Football

Soccer balls

Basketball

This ball starts off with a cork or rubber center, which is then wrapped in wool yarn or cotton and stitched together with a cowhide cover. Each ball must weigh and measure between a certain number of ounces and inches in circumference to meet Major League standards, according to MadeHow.

Nowadays this ball is not made of pigskin bladders, but rubber ones. It is then covered with grain-textured leather panels with laces that sew them together. The football has its distinctive shape because originally that was the shape of the pig’s bladder, but now of course it serves as a preferred shape for throwing and catching.

These consist of 32 padded panels that are full-grained leather, which makes the ball heavier and water absorbent.

The panels surround a latex bladder. These were also constructed from pig’s bladders, but now they are more round so that they are easier to kick.

Also beginning with a butyl rubber bladder, which contains air at a high level than other rubbers used for other types of balls. Textile materials are then wrapped around the bladder, which is then finished off with a sheet of pebbled and dyed rubber for the outer layer.

Taking the time to learn the composition and structure of an athletes’ specific sport ball may help them in learning to wield it with more efficiency, and could be the determining factor in a game. Above are only a few sports balls, but there are a plethora more out there with unique qualities and histories of their style and shape.

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Veterans Looking to Return to Winning Ways Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Karen Collier

If you’re a fan of high school baseball in Georgia, you probably know that some of the best competition comes from the middle part of our great state, specifically in the Warner Robins area in Houston County.

One of the county’s premier high school baseball programs is also one of the newest high schools.

Veterans High School was built in 2010, and its actually in Kathleen, just south of Warner Robins. Under its only head coach David Coffey, a former UGA Bulldog baseball player, the Warhawks have won six region titles in the school's brief eight-year history; advanced to the GHSA semifinals three consecutive seasons in 2015, 2016, and 2017; and have now won 20-plus games for the seventh consecutive season.

Last season, Veterans High School won its second straight Region 1-5A title and advanced to the GHSA Class 5A quarterfinals.

Coffey attributed the Warhawks' success to that aforementioned talent in his own back yard.

“We have been blessed with a lot of great players,” Coffey said. “These kids grow up in this county learning the fundamentals of baseball from a lot of great coaches. Baseball is an important part of the culture here, and kids learn how to play the game the right way. That makes our job as high school coaches that much easier once they arrive here or at any other of the county’s schools.”

This season, so far, is a bit of a different story. Coffey is facing quite a unique challenge. It's still early, but Coffey and his Warhawks squad are struggling coming out of the gate with a 5-10 record, including a 1-4 region record in 1-5A. He said that the loss of seven starters did hurt, but that isn’t necessarily something new.

“We have a ton of sophomore starters that are very talented, but they just lack game experience,” Coffey said.

That, he said, should take care of itself.

“We’re still early with plenty of baseball to be played this season,” he said. “I think we’ll be just fine.”

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7 Exercises to Increase Arm Strength in Baseball 1. Dumbbell Curls

• Do 3-5 sets of this exercises every morning and you will feel a difference within a few days.

2. Bench-Press for Triceps

• Do 3-5 sets of this exercise every day.

3. Wrist Throwing Exercise

• A few tosses in this position every day will add significant strength to your wrist.

4. Long-Distance Throwing

• Every time you go practicing this exercise, practice first with a shorter distance.

• Practice 20-30 throws at a 30-foot distance, then 20-30 throws at a 60-foot distance, and then 20-30 throws at a 90-foot distance.

• Practicing throwing at different distances will ensure that you have sufficient arm strength to range all distances on the field with your throws.

5. 45-Degree Raises

• Hold a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand so that your arms are extended on both sides and the hands are facing inward.

• Now raise each hand at a 45-degree angle and bring your arms to shoulder height without losing the fixed position of the elbows.

• Performs 3-4 sets of this exercise • Make sure that you raise and lower your arms slowly and deliberately.

6. Push-Ups

• Three sets of push-ups every day will build solid arm power.

7. Fast Tossing

• For this exercise, you will need a partner.

• Have the partner stand nearly 10 feet from you and start rapidly tossing a baseball between you.

• Your aim should be to toss the baseball correctly, quickly, and with solid strength.

• This will give you the feel of being in a real baseball game and working under pressure.

You will be able to better condition your arm’s strength to real game conditions.

ITG Next | 59

High School Referees Wanted Written by: Phil Jones

You don’t have to be a high school official to hear the comments — words of anger from fans directed at the men and women in stripes who just have it out for their favorite team.

This is the kind of scene that plays out all over the state of Georgia at high school sporting events.

It’s the kind of antics that are in part to blame for the shortage of high school officials across the board, and it seems to be in every sport.

So, lets examine this issue from a couple of different perspectives: (1) the challenge of recruiting new officials and (2) the challenge of retaining existing, active officials.

The Challenge of Recruiting New Officials:

The Challenge of Retaining Existing Officials:

Alan Smith is the executive director of the Georgia Athletic Officials Association. He offered his opinion on the issues of both attracting and keeping high school officials. According to Smith, these are some of the challenges associated with attracting new officials:

According to the National Association of Sports Officials, 80 percent of referees and officials walk away from their job within the first two years of signing on as a new official.

• Out-of-pocket costs: Expenses associated with becoming a new official can add up in a hurry, before the new official ever sees a dime. New officials are required to pay an association fee; a training fee; and for new uniforms, which includes buying the pants, jersey, jacket, socks, and shoes. That’s for football. If you’re a new softball or baseball official, the costs are even more due to safety equipment (masks, chest and leg protectors, etc.).

• Abuse by coaches and fans

• Fear of the arena or stadium

I’ll add my own reasons here:

• I believe the GAOA could do a better job of recruitment via advertising campaigns such as public kiosks inviting anyone interested in becoming an official to sign up for a free question and answer workshop.

• They could also offer a sign-on bonus. This would not only reduce or eliminate the start up costs for new officials, but actually provide an incentive for an interested person to sign on as a new official.

Smith also added that the GAOA is encouraging athletic directors and coaches to talk to their players to encourage them to strongly consider officiating high school sports upon completion of their playing days.

• Invite existing veteran officials to meet periodically and come together to talk. Smith pointed to several seminars and conferences that the GAOA and the GHSA have cosponsored, where representatives from the NCAA, various state associations, and other industry leaders meet to discuss and identify ongoing issues and challenges among game officials everywhere and develop best practices on how to better deal with these challenges.

• Pay: Just as this is a problem with signing up new officials, apparently payment for the officials duties does not come quickly or regularly. Pay schedules differ for certain levels of officials and sports, but generally, Friday night football officials are paid twice per season.

The first payment comes in October, which in Georgia is close to the end of the season. Then the remaining payment is made toward the middle or end of December.

• Retention bonus: Incentives always help. Just as I suggested a signup bonus for new officials, add a retention bonus that rewards officials if they stay. (Make it a tiered system, rewarding an official after completing one year of service, then perhaps reward for every year thereafter for continued service.)

• Abuse: It doesn't just come from fans and coaches at the games. We all hear the nasty comments from fans in the stands, but with the explosion of social media and coverage of sporting events on the rise overall, game officials are hearing, seeing, and reading comments on the radio, TV, and internet now more than ever.

• Age gap: The majority of officials are over the age of 60, with a minority at 30 years of age or younger. This gap is making it harder to have a natural cycle of incoming officials and those leaving their officiating posts.

If the shortage of Georgia high school officials continues, there could be radical changes to deal with the shortage, such as scheduling junior varsity and varsity games together on Thursday nights. This is just one recommendation. Perhaps as fans, we can do our part and behave. Let's try to do our part to keep game officials right where they are — on the field, and on the court where they belong.

60 | itgnext.com

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ITG Next | 61

Nourish Grady County Dancers Making a Difference After tornadoes hit Cairo in March of this year, Dancers from the FIRM Dance Company helped pass out hundreds of meals to victims, volunteers, and utility workers. Even though their own studio suffered damage, these 8- and 9-year-olds decided to help others who needed it.

Information and photo courtesy of wctv.tv/

Kicker Honored Syrupmaker Noah Jones was selected as the Class 4A AllState Kicker and Punter by Cedric Ogelsby.

Ogelsby was a kicker at Moorehouse and went on to kick in the NFL. He is the first black kicker in the NFL from a historically black college. He started this award and banquet four to five years ago so that kickers, punters, and long snappers could get recognized for their work, and he hopes to reach underprivileged youth through his project. The Award was presented during a banquet held at Georgia Tech.

Information and photo courtesy of Syrupmaker Touchdown Club

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After Hurricane Michael hit South Georgia last year, several culinary arts students at Cairo High School saw a need in their community for food in times of emergency. They applied for the Ford Next Generation Learning grant, and if all goes according to plan, the Nourish Grady food truck will be operational by fall 2019.

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After your sports career is over, what do you see yourself doing?

After my sports career, I see myself owning my own pharmacy.

Who is your biggest sports inspiration?

Micheal Jordan because he didn't make the team in high school, he didn't stop pushing, and later became a legend. I love his determination.

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Sports Gives Athlete Tools for Life Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

It’s not often high school athletes participate in three sports.

Usually, the academic workload and high school experience cause athletes to select one or maybe two sports as their focus. Malachi Morris, a junior at Spencer High School, has been a three-sport athlete since middle school. Football, basketball, and track filled his school years then as now, yet Morris still maintains a 3.3 GPA.

“It’s all about time management," Morris, 17, said. "I’ve learned to keep my priorities of homework and study first."

Football was the first sport Morris played. Always positioned as an offensive player, Morris has spent most of his playing time as a wide receiver. The 6-foot-2 athlete loves football, and after his first season with the Spencer Greenwaves, he moved right into basketball as a small forward. Even before basketball season ended his freshman year, Morris planned to participate in track and field.

Fast on his feet and blessed with the uncanny ability to run hurdles, Morris participates in several track and field events. He runs in two relay events, the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter, and excels in two hurdles events, the 300-meter and the 110-meter.

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forward to a repeat of the three sports for his sophomore year, but real life intervened. Before football season, Morris had to drop athletics to get a job to help his family. He worked at a local Boys and Girls Club where he shared his love of sports with the club’s members.

“I missed playing football, but I really liked working at the Boys and Girls Club," he said. "I was like a coach, and being able to work with the kids who were there was good for me.”

He rejoined athletics for basketball season and also participated in track last year. When his junior year rolled around in August, Morris was one of almost 900 students who re-located to Spencer High School’s brand new, state-of-theart campus in Columbus.

The new facility has an impressive sports complex that includes an artificial turf football field and a track complete with a long jump pit.

Practices on the new field in the fall were a great experience for Morris. When basketball season began, he had the distinction of being on the first team to take to the floor in the Greenwaves’ new gym. The team, comprised of mostly young athletes, made it to the 2A semifinals.

Morris quickly transitioned to track this spring. The junior is changing up his playlist

by running the 4x100 relay, running the 300 hurdles, and adding the long jump. He is excited about the change because he stills gets to do what he loves — run relay and hurdles — but experiment with a new skill set, the long jump.

Next year Morris plans on continuing his sports routine and academic program. The brief time away from athletics gave him a new appreciation for playing versus being a spectator, and it also helped clarify his goals.

“Sports can be a way out," he said. "I really love all that I get to do, but my grades and my classes are what will see me to the future.”

This coming fall, Morris will play football under the direction of Robert Sanders, the school’s athletic director and newly named football coach at Spencer. Morris is looking forward to the experience and getting closer to life after high school.

“I would love to play something somewhere, but if not, I know that sports have been a tool for life," Morris said. "The coaches here preach ‘Do your job,’ and that’s what you need out there. Just do your job. Things happen when you do that."

HOW TO WIN

Enter your school. Choose 3 students to compete per 5K. Earn points by placing in up to 4 categories per 5K. Win $500 at the end of the series!

SERIES

March 30 Valdosta June 1 Cordele August 17 Tifton October TBA December Valdosta

To register your school, email info@itgnext.com Entry fee of $150 per school for the entire series.

SECOND RACE OF SERIES — CORDELE, GA

6.1.19

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Coaching Changes Around the Corner

FCA Events Spreading the Message

Written by: Jon Nelson

I was thinking the other day, and, yes, I know that’s a dangerous proposition.

But can you, Dear Reader, think of a year that had more high-profile schools be involved in the coaching carousel like this one has?

Let’s retrace our steps a bit — and if there’s any one that I missed, it’s unintentional: Buford, Grayson, Ware County, Cartersville, Carrollton, Calhoun, McEachern, and Colquitt County.

Usually, coaching turnover is at about 20 percent or so, sometimes as high as 23 percent. So, if we do the math, you’re looking at around 90 head coaches looking for work and countless assistants doing the same thing. I know that some of the jobs have head coaches going from one high profile gig to the next (Franklin Stephens going from Ware to McEachern is the first example that sticks in my head), but there are some where coaches are going to chase other things, like the beach.

Kyle Hockman reinforced a tradition in his time in Powder Springs, but going to live at or near the beach was something he had always had in mind. So, with kids in college (or close to it), it gave him a chance to chase the beach house and still be a coach.

If I had told you that his new place of employ was going to be New Hampstead High School in suburban Savannah, what would you have told me?

Frankly, that’s what I thought you would say.

I would venture to say this “Silly Season” has been one of the sillier.

But there’s also one other aspect of the hirings that I found interesting so far this offseason: the notion of hiring from within.

I can’t think of the last year that there were so many talented assistants who got their chance to be the guys in charge.

That also says a lot about the quality of coaching in the state itself.

When coaches are coming to Georgia and are coming from the college ranks to coach HIGH SCHOOL (emphasis intentional), it speaks to what we get to see on a weekly basis. When coaches go from developing programs and can put together winning programs quickly, you get what Grayson sees in former Creekview head coach Adam Carter.

And with over 400 opportunities every single year, it’s a chance for a top-three state to come at you from a billion different perspectives on how to nurture someone, hire someone, and build a history with them as a young coach trying to build a resume or be a coach adding chapters to a successful one that has had some legs under it.

And, believe it or not, there are STILL some openings out there that can be taken from any of those hiring prospects.

Those 7-on-7 camps are just around the corner, so these schools have a lot of homework to do in the interim.

Play it safe, everyone. I’ll see you soon.

The annual Spring Fundraising Banquet was held on Feb. 18 at the Lowndes High School cafetorium with Dan Mullen, head football coach for the University of Florida, as the guest speaker.

Mullen did a fantastic job sharing what Christ means in his life both personally and professionally. He was available after the banquet to speak with students and adults and to autograph different memorabilia. Racing Pig Catering provided the food, and Event Point provided the audio/visual for the night. There were both students and coaches recognized as Athletes of the Year and Coach of the Year. Overall, it was a fantastic night and one that will certainly be remembered for a long time to come.

The Berrien County Banquet was held on March 18 at Flat Creek Church Family Life Center in Nashville, Georgia. The doors opened at 6 p.m., and the guest speaker was Gabe Giardina, head football coach for Albany State University. Thank you to Keith and Janet Powell and all of the volunteers in Berrien County that helped to make this banquet a huge success.

The Cook County Banquet was held on April 11 at Lenox Baptist Church Family Life Center. The doors opened at 6 p.m., and the guest speaker was Randall Godfrey, former linebacker for the University of Georgia and graduate of Lowndes High School.

Godfrey did an outstanding job speaking to the students and encouraging them to continue to study hard in their schoolwork and work hard on the playing field. Godfrey spoke to the adults about how important FCA was in his life and how thankful he was that FCA played such a vital role in helping to further his relationship with Jesus Christ.

FCA and Future Now are partnering together to have an event at Lowndes High School on April 17 at 7 p.m. There will be music followed by a message that we are hoping will reach the students and their families in Lowndes County. There will be giveaways and a time of fellowship with other students in the community. We are looking for this to be a pivotal moment in the lives of students and athletes now and throughout their lives!

Thank you to everyone who has had a part in helping bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to Lowndes County and the surrounding communities. We could not do what we do without the help of our volunteers, prayer warriors, board members, adult chapter members, pastors, youth pastors, churches, and all those who have a part in helping us spread the gospel and the love of Christ to the lost!

“A coach has more influence on a kid in a single season than a pastor in his entire lifetime.”

- Dr. Billy Graham

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