South Georgia June 2017 Edition

CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION

PLUS

2017

Athletic Awards Banquet

e v e i h ac

&

pg. 44

e r i p s in The magic of

l l e h c t i M Malcolm continues

14

Year in Review

21

Near Death to New Life

71

One Down and One To Go

In the Game’s Top Content From 2016-17

South Georgia’s Fall, Winter, and Spring CHAMPIONS

Weise’s Journey to the U.S. Paralympic National Soccer Team

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

IN THE

JUNE/JULY 2017

Tony Morales — Central High School

In The Game | 1

THE

HUGHSTON DIFFERENCE YESTERDAY.

•

Providing you, for over 60 years, with research, education, and treatment

•

Organizing preparticipation physicals since 1976

•

Covering over 1,500 local sporting events each year

•

Saturday morning injury clinic

•

Researching and implementing concussion management software for local athletes

LOCATIONS Albany Auburn Columbus Dothan LaGrange

Moultrie Phenix City Thomaston Thomasville Valdosta

Hughston Clinic 706-324-6661 2|

6262 Veterans Parkway, GA 31909 1-800-331-2910 / www.hughston.com itgsportsnetwork.com

TODAY. TOMORROW.

7

In The Game | 3

4 | itgsportsnetwork.com

ARE YOU In?

South Georgia

In the Game No matter the moment, no matter the circumstance, the real athletes never leave the Game.

Classroom? In the Game. Weight room? In the Game. Board room? In the Game.

100% in everything you do. That’s what it means to be In the Game. .

Cole Parker

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF In The Game | 5

CELEBRATING THE CHAMPIONS 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

www.fmb.net Member FDIC

OF SOUTH GEORGIA

6 | itgsportsnetwork.com

P I H S N O I n P o i t i M d e A

G T I 7 1 0 2

CH

IN THIS ISSUE 16

Achieve & Inspire

21

Near Death to New Life

25 27 28 29 34 43 44 52

The Magic of Malcolm Mitchell Continues Weise’s Journey to the U.S. Paralympic National Soccer Team

State Champions Made in the Offseason

Pelham High School Lady Hornets Win 2016-17 A-Public State Title

The More Things Change

Multisport Athletes Have Eventful Senior Year Columbus High School

Top 3 Covers of the Year Top 5 Photos of the Year 10 Questions with Chris Whidby

54 62

2016-17 State Champions

64

Top 2 Graphics of the Year

66

No Strikeouts, On or Off the Field

69

Glenwood School Takes 2 State Titles in Basketball

Taylor Peebles, Houston County High School

71

One Down and One to Go

73

Giving Back to Baseball

74 76

2016-17 South Georgia Athletic Awards Banquet

80

Winning in the Water

83

Deerfield-Windsor School

Top 5 Stories of the Year

Tony Morales, Central High School Johnson Returns to Adel to Lead Future Hornets

State Title Winner Used Defeat as Motivation Elijah McKnickles, Spencer High School

Baseball Born Brothers

Tyler Simon & Malik Spratling, Lee County High School

At Full Speed

Cole Brannen, Westfield School

First Class Program, First Place Trophies Holland and Seniors Capture 2nd State Title

In The Game | 7

Expect the best.

So use only the best.

#Trending Top Facebook Posts of the Year

1716 Gornto Rd, Valdosta, GA 31601 | (229) 242-8750

Magazine

NEWSLETTER

Top Tweets of the Year

SOCIAL MEDIA

Top Instagram Posts of the Year

@inthegamenation

CORRECTION In our April-May 2017 edition, cover and feature photography of Cairo High School’s Emerson Hancock was incorrectly credited. Aaron Musgrove of Aaron David Designs is the talented photographer responsible for those incredible pictures. Contact him today at aarondavid7777@gmail.com to set up a session of your own!

8 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Top YouTube Videos of the Year

From the Publisher Welcome to the season finale.

We are proud to introduce In the Game Magazine’s 201617 South Georgia June-July issue: the Championship Edition.

This entire school year, like many before, was one of remarkable triumphs. State championship trophies were added to trophy cases across our South Georgia region, and we would like to congratulate and commemorate each and every one of them.

This magazine is largely meant to honor and recognize the outstanding efforts and achievements of South Georgia’s finest teams, coaches, and individual student-athletes during this past school year.

Yet at the same time, we also recognize that this season was one of heartbreaking losses. Some teams and players saw the highest of the highs, while others saw the lowest of the lows. And South Georgia stayed strong through it all. Even if state championships weren’t won, we still believe that in the championship mentality, living In the Game is worth celebrating as well.

Not only was it a great year for South Georgia athletics, but it was a great year for us at In the Game Sports Network. We continue to grow, diversify, and thrive. With a refined mission, vision, and outlook, we also view this magazine as the Year in Review edition, so we hope that

you enjoy remembering some of our highlights of this past year as we readily anticipate the next one.

To be clear, all of this isn’t just about this year’s athletic achievements; while the talents may bring these people to the center of conversation, it is their character, work ethic, support systems, and drive that will make them successful in life. On the field, in the classroom, around the community, being In the Game isn’t just about being in our magazine; it’s about living In the Game.

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

So, the question is: Are You In? Our mission is simple: to inspire your inner athlete toward the passionate pursuit of excellence, on and off the field. So, if you know of a player, coach, or fan deserving of recognition as we head into the 2017-18 school year, head to our website and officially nominate that story!

We thank you for your continued support of your local athletic programs and In the Game Sports Network.

Follow us on social media @InTheGameNation and visit us at www.InTheGameSportsNetwork.com in order to #StayInTheGame!

In the Game Apparel @InTheGameNation

South Georgia Team Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Cole Parker Magazine Director Brittany K. Wyche Graphics Brittany K. Wyche Mandy Douthit LaDarius Dennison Cover Photography Courtesy of Read with Malcolm Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Aaron Musgrove George McDuffie Jerry Christenson Emmanuel Magbanua Brittany K. Wyche Vince Jupiter Feature Writers Zack Pine Beth Welch Cole Parker Hillary Griffin Julie Patrick Jon Nelson Lambert Bales Miranda Moore Sarah Turner Copy Editors Anna Limoges Beth Welch Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Brittany K. Wyche brittany@itgsportsnetwork.com Digital Manager Cole Parker Tell us what you thought about the April/May issue of In the Game! info@itgsportsnetwork.com

Men’s Dri-Fit Polo $39.99

Be In the Game Two-Toned Women’s Tanks $27.99

Blood-Sweat-Respect T-Shirt $21.99

Go to www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com/apparel to Get In the Game today!

Use Promo Code ITGmag0617 to receive 15% off of your next purchase!

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 2017 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

In The Game | 9

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Cole Parker

Brittany k. Wyche

Mandy Douthit

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Magazine director

Graphic Designer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

aNNA Limoges

Lambert Bales

Zack Pine

Jon Nelson

Copy editor

Contributing writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Micki Krzynski

Marque Milla Reese

George McDuffie

Jerry Christenson

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

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

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

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

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

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

10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

What to look forward to: Your High School Gridiron Guide

10

South Georgia’s Top Players to Watch

10

Columbus Valley’s Top players to Watch

Play Our ITG Pick’Em Challenge!

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

Columbus Area Editor

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

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

Alexis Myers

Vince Jupiter

videographer

videography Intern

As the demands of our video department have escalated, Alexis has continually risen to the occasion. As a graduate of Lowndes High School and the College of Southern Nevada, this award-winning filmmaker has set the bar high during her start here at ITG. Alexis copes with the constant disappointment of being an Atlanta Braves fan by traveling, singing and songwriting with her ukulele, and hanging out with her dog Abi.

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

SOUTH GEORGIA

August 2016

Beth WElch

Jacksonville Area Director

August - September 2017 Preseason Football Edition Are you ready for football?

Get the inside scoop on all of South Georgia’s teams as they prepare for the season to begin.

October - November 2017 Basketball Preseson Edition Do you love our football preseason magazine? Do you also love basketball? Well in October-November of 2017, we will be unveiling our first ever Basketball Preseason Edition!

Aaron Musgrove Contributing Photographer Originally from Live Oak, FL, Aaron found his home as a multitalented photographer and graphic designer after moving to Valdosta in 2007. As the lead graphic designer at Colquitt Regional Medical Center since 2010, Aaron has found his passion in corporate graphic design and commercial photography, but he also loves capturing the unique dynamics of sports with ITG.

2017 High School Football Awards Banquet Each December, we gather the top players, coaches, and fans from South Georgia’s prestigious football culture in order to celebrate the season.

Stay tuned to see how you can get involved!

BE IN THE GAME

Courtney Wagner

Find Your Team’s Preview Inside!

In The Game | 11

SHOP SMART. SHOP LOCAL. 2980 JAMES CIRCLE | VALDOSTA, GA. WWW.VALDOSTATOYOTA.COM

229-247-1920

12 | itgsportsnetwork.com

In The Game | 13

Our Mission (Why We Exist)

INSPIRING YOUR INNER ATHLETE TOWARD THE PASSIONATE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE, ON & OFF THE FIELD. Our Vision (Where We Are Going)

Total immersion into the life of athletes and athletics as we positively influence mentalities through our compelling content and competitive culture.

Our Model (How We Get There)

We strive to showcase active, inspired lifestyles and a champion’s mentality as we awaken the former, current, and future athlete in every person.

14 | itgsportsnetwork.com

In the Game’s Year In Review Refined vision. Renewed purpose.

Looking back on the 2016-17 year, In the Game Sports Network has continued to evolve and expand. With a clear focus and mission, we invite you to join us as we celebrate the efforts and successes of this past year through our "Year In Review" features throughout this magazine, starting on page 29. We are looking forward to another great year ahead of us!

Want to read more about our company’s identity and culture?

Visit the “About Us” tab on our website, www.InTheGameSportsNetwork.com

In The Game | 15

Achieve & Inspire:

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Aaron Musgrove

and Read with Malcolm

“In order to succeed, you have to read.”

These are strong words coming from an extremely gifted football player whose most recent accomplishment is earning a Super Bowl championship with the 2017 New England Patriots, yet Malcolm Mitchell believes these words to his very core.

The remarkable story of Malcolm Mitchell’s triumphs and inspiration has been well documented, yet he continues to achieve and inspire at every phase of his career.

The Valdosta, Georgia, native came from humble beginnings as he and his brothers were raised by their single mother, but he was also brought up under the tutelage and influence of Valdosta High School’s football tradition. Motivated by the work ethic of his mother and refined by the “never, never, never quit” mantra of the Wildcat tradition, Mitchell developed a champion’s mentality early on in his life.

“You can truly accomplish whatever you put your mind to,” Mitchell said. “You go after it with everything within you. You know, that’s a message that my mom has sent me since I was a little child, and it’s a message that I will send, because whatever you want to achieve, it’s out there. You will have to go through some obstacles – everything won’t go your way – but if you don’t quit, you keep going, you have a better chance of reaching your goal.”

It didn’t take long for his talents as a wide receiver and defensive back at Valdosta High School and as an Under Armour All-American to project to the next level, yet it wasn’t until his years at the University of Georgia that he was truly awakened to the reality of his academic shortcomings.

“When I first got to college, I was able to still accomplish things on the field, but as a person I felt like I was failing myself,” Mitchell said. “My mission is to be the best person I can be, and that doesn’t just amount to football; that’s every aspect of life. And everything off the field wasn’t the way that I wanted it to be, especially reading.”

Unwilling to accept this limitation on his potential,

16 | itgsportsnetwork.com

The Magic of Malcolm Mitchell Continues Mitchell went to work, on and off the field. After battling back from an ACL injury following his All-SEC Freshman campaign, he ended his career as a Bulldog as their leading receiver in his final season. More importantly, however, was a newfound emphasis on reading, which lead to the founding of the Read With Malcolm Literacy Initiative and the Share the Magic Foundation.

Recognizing the impact that this literary revolution was making on his life, Mitchell wanted to take that magic to elementary schools and homes across the nation to address the negative effect of low reading achievement in underserved schools and communities. In a few short years, he transformed from a college student who was reading at a junior high level to becoming a national inspiration and award-winning author for his children’s book, “The Magician’s Hat.” The goals of Mitchell’s foundation are to introduce book ownership to students in households where reading is not a priority and to improve literacy in schools with below grade-level reading skills. They accomplish this through partnerships with individuals, school systems, and entire communities, headlined by Mitchell’s visits to schools across the nation for his Reading Rallies.

“Everywhere I go, I continue to push the message that reading can truly change your life and reshape it in a way that you achieve the goals that you set out for yourself,” Mitchell said.

In its first year, Malcolm’s book, “The Magician’s Hat,” which challenges young readers to think about what they want to be when they grow up, was distributed to more than 13,500 students in over 57 elementary

SOUTH GEORGIA

SUPER BOWL

James Butler SS Banbridge

Bart Oates C Albany

College: Eastern Kentucky

Exp: 7 Seasons

College: Brigham Young

Exp: 11 Seasons

College: Georgia Tech

Exp: 7 Seasons

C H A M P I O N S

Myron Guyton

FS Thomasville Co. Central

In The Game | 17

“The Magician’s Hat,”

Mitchell’s award-winning children’s book, is available for sale on his website, www.ReadWithMalcolm.com.

Purchase yours today!

How to win the

1.

STEP

Super Bowl

schools, children’s hospitals, and community service organizations. Malcolm has personally visited over 19 elementary schools.

In everything that they do, Mitchell and the leadership behind his foundation and initiatives aspire to transform the lives of young students through literacy with the belief that “there’s a little bit of magic in every book,” as Mitchell likes to say.

Since the founding of Read With Malcolm in 2015, Mitchell has been recognized as the 2016 Georgia Writer’s Association Children’s Author of the Year, American’s Promise Alliance Hero Award Winner, the National Captain of the AllState Goodworks Team, National Haier Ultimate Achievement Award, Atlanta Sports Council Community Service Award Winner, The Jack Turner Award Winner presented by the Georgia Chapter of the National College Hall Of Fame, and the UGA Student Athlete of the Year.

Yet even with this incredible list of off-the-field achievements already under his belt, Mitchell still had his greatest athletic achievement ahead of him. After being drafted to the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Mitchell

worked his way into the lineup of the league’s most dominant franchise.

The result? Malcolm Mitchell was name to the NFL All-Rookie Team, playing in 14 games and amassing 32 receptions, 401 yards, and four TDs, and most importantly, a Super Bowl ring.

In this historic comeback and overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons in the 2017 Super Bowl, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady found Mitchell as a reliable target and key piece of their second-half surge. Mitchell finished the game with six receptions and 70 yards, trailing only behind Brady’s veteran targets of Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman.

As the Patriots punched in the touchdown that capped off the league’s largest Super Bowl comeback, the celebration began. Confetti flew, tears of joy streamed, and the Lombardi Trophy made its way into the welcome embrace of rookie Malcolm Mitchell, who was showcasing an unmistakable smile that told the whole story without a single word.

That celebration, however, exceeded the bounds of just that day. After the culmination of these achievements, Mitchell made the trip back south to say thanks to his biggest fans: his hometown crowd of family, friends, and fans. On “Malcolm Mitchell Day,” local supporters rushed to Valdosta High’s historic Bazemore-Hyder Stadium as Mitchell expressed his gratitude and received a “Key to City of Valdosta, GA” for his work on and off the professional football field.

MADDEN CURSE

Decide to Win the Super Bowl

2.

STEP

3.

Decide how to make decisions

STEP find an identity

4.

STEP

5.

find a quaterback

STEP get lucky

18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Athlete

ROB GRONKOWSKI ODELL BECKHAM JR. RICHARD SHERMAN ADRIAN PETERSON CALVIN JOHNSON PEYTON HILLIS DREW BREES TROY POLAMALU BRETT FAVRE VINCE YOUNG SHAUN ALEXANDER DONOVAN MCNABB RAY LEWIS MICHAEL VICK MARSHALL FAULK DAUNTE CULPEPPER EDDIE GEORGE BARRY SANDERS GARRISON HEARST

Yr. ‘17 ‘16 ‘15 ‘14 ‘13 ‘12 ‘11 ‘10 ‘09 ‘08 ‘07 ‘06 ‘05 ‘04 ‘03 ‘02 ‘01 ‘00 ‘99

Curse

HERINATED DISK FOOT INJURY HAMSTRING INJURY WORST SEASON EVER TORN PCL RT. SHOULDER INJURY QUADRICEP INJURY BROKEN FOOT GROIN INJURY TORN HAMSTRING FRACT. RIGHT FIBULA FORCED RETIREMENT KNEE INJURY DECLINED CAREER RETIRED BROKEN ANKLE

“Just wiser. Back then I thought I understood what it took to be the best I could possibly be, but the road is a lot harder than I could have imagined.”

“I’ve had a tremendous amount of support from my hometown of Valdosta, to Atlanta, to Massachusetts,” Mitchell said. “Pushing that message that reading is important and it will help you grow and help you become the person you want to be is something that I will forever do, and I approach that with the same mentality that I approach football.”

His message on that day, and every day, was one of humility, gratefulness, and of course, inspiration. Current

SOUTH GEORGIA EDITION

• OCTOBER 2010 • $4.00

When asked about the biggest difference between the guy that graced the cover of one of our 2010 In the Game South Georgia Magazine, Malcolm said:

Player Spotlight

Malcolm Mitchell

Valdosta High School

Coach’s Corner Jay Walls

Tift County High School

Academic Athlete Kristeena Suarez

Fitzgerald High School

Rising Star Ian Bennett

Hahira Middle School

Also Inside: Fellowship of Christian Athletes • Stingers

www.InTheGameMagazine.com

or former student-athletes, young or old, Malcolm Mitchell serves as a role model to all in his approach and actions.

“Never give up,” Mitchell said without hesitation. “You will be faced with obstacles at some point. Even when you are successful, always keep striving for more.”

Despite his youth, despite his disadvantages, and despite his setbacks, Malcolm Mitchell has worked for and achieved success.

“No matter what hap-

pens in life, I will forever be a World Champion,” he said following the Super Bowl victory.

But if anything is clear from the still-young life of Malcolm Mitchell, he knows that there is much to life beyond football. From his play on the field to his work as an author and as the founder of Read With Malcolm, he continues to use his past to inspire future generations.

“My goal is to make sure that every kid, especially every first grader, has ‘The Magician’s Hat’ in their hands on their first day of school,” Mitchell said. “But just sharing that passion for reading, continuing to write to inspire… I don’t really see a cap to it, because you can never push that message enough.

So, until I can no longer talk, I will be pushing that message that reading can take you anywhere.”

“Everywhere I go, I continue to push the message that reading can truly change your life and reshape it in a way that you achieve the goals that you set out for yourself,” Mitchell said.

Residential • Commercial New Construction • Service LICENSED / BONDED / INSURED

GA Lic #CN7050 • FL Lic #CAC058168

WWW.WALLERHVAC.COM

Thomasville, GA 15 Williamsburg Ave # 25 229.225.1200

20 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Valdosta, GA

405 N. St. Augustine Rd 229.244.1200

Near Death to New Life Weise’s Journey to the U.S. Paralympic National Soccer Team

Brazil

5

Italy

4

Germany

4

Uruguay

2

Argentina 2 England

1

France

1

Spain

1

Inspirational Story Jordan Weise Written by: Lambert Bales Photgraphy by: Micki K Photography

Lionel Messi

48%

Best Athlete courtesy of messivsronaldo.net

Jordan Weise, 2011 Lowndes High School graduate, was living in Atlanta during the summer of 2012.

Fresh off his first soccer season at Georgia State University and playing for the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves, he experienced a tragedy that forever changed his life.

Growing up in Valdosta, Weise was exposed to many sports throughout his youth. Like many of his friends, he played football and baseball growing up and ultimately chose soccer and basketball when he got to Lowndes. During his sophomore year, he knew he had to devote more of his time to one, and that is when he concentrated solely on soccer.

“At that point in time, you have to make a commitment,” Weise said. “You can’t be spread out with so many things.”

Knowing he would be limited from reaching his full potential in South Georgia, Weise and his father traveled three hours after school, daily, so Weise could play for the Florida Rush, a high-profile youth soccer club based in Orlando.

During this time, Weise was exposed to some of the top talent the United States had to offer. Overall, he grew as a player and succeeded at the highest of levels not only in the region, but nationally and internationally as well.

As time came closer and closer for Weise to narrow down his college decision, many factors began to creep in. Weise attracted interest from programs such as Northwestern and Notre Dame. But, an ankle injury he suffered at a tournament in Disney World provided clarity in the end.

“I decided on Georgia State because being a Georgia resident, it was a no-brainer,” Weise said.

“Going to Atlanta was nice. It was a nice change from Valdosta. When I got to Atlanta, it was awesome. Everybody loves this sport.”

During his one year in the Panthers program, Weise tallied three goals and two assists in 22 appearances. After the season, Weise stayed in Atlanta and joined the Atlanta Silverbacks Reserves. Bright stars often play at the club during the summer to increase their exposure. Chris Duvall and Chris Klute, two of his teammates, went on to play in the MLS. Weise appreciated the experiences he had in Orlando and Atlanta. He credited the coaches and instructors he learned from along the way.

“I was fortunate,” Weise said. “Not many people in Valdosta can experience that without taking a military route.”

Then July 5, 2012, happened, a day that changed the life of one of the brightest soccer stars to ever come out of South Georgia. On that unfortunate day, Jordan Weise fell down a flight of stairs and suffered a traumatic brain injury that nearly killed him and left him in a state of paralysis. He underwent a craniotomy to allow his brain to swell out of his skull rather than into his spinal cord.

“Hearing the odds, with the level of my brain injury you’re looking at a 10 percent chance of surviving,” Weise said. “That stuck with me for a really long time.”

Weise is unable to recall a full picture of everything that happened that day and still is unsure about moments before and after.

“What’s amazing about the brain is maybe I don’t have the whole picture, but as someone starts to talk to me, pieces start to come back together,” Weise said. “I honestly do not remember anything from about a week or two before that.”

Weise added that his daily routine included working out with a former teammate at the time.

“We would go to the park [Historic Fourth Ward Park] and run,” Weise said. “We’d run there in the early mornings, and then I’d go back there to Silverback Park at about 10 a.m. for practice. Besides that, I can’t tell you a tremendous amount of stuff. A lot of the summer, even after that, pieces together.”

In The Game | 21

Media Day South Georgia High School Football

July 29, 2017

10:00am-2:00pm

22 | itgsportsnetwork.com

In the Game Office 115 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31601

The next few weeks were trying for Weise as he began his recovery. One instance he recounted had a sobering effect on him that he still thinks about.

“It’s like I was brought down to reality,” Weise said. “As you sit in a hospital bed and look out the window seeing people walk down Peachtree Street, you’re drooling on the right side of your face; your right hand doesn’t work; you can’t move your right arm; you can’t walk; you’re struggling to remember your name, your age. You look out the window saying, ‘I want to be like them – I want to be like the person walking down the street.’” Weise paused for a moment. “That’s when it hit me. I really took too much for granted.”

Weise was discharged from the hospital at the end of July and returned to Valdosta for a few weeks before going to Atlanta’s Shepard Center for outpatient therapy. When he got back to Atlanta, he faced an uphill battle; performing daily tasks like walking up and down stairs, cooking, and getting on an exercise bike were a grind in the beginning, but relearning those activities was ultimately worth it.

“I felt like a child in the beginning,” Weise said. “Then, boom! One or two weeks later, it all clicked.”

Weise’s time at the Shepard Center impacted him in a lasting way. The rehabilitation program, Pathways, allowed him to meet many great physicians and nurses who helped him get better and ultimately find a new vision in life: having a career in the medical field, particularly physical therapy.

“It was a 9-4 type of thing,” Weise said. “I was continuing with therapy; physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive therapy. I can’t tell you which one was the most critical, but I could say that each had their own special thing that changed and molded me into what I am today. And what I’m studying right now. And why I chose to go to grad school and pursue what I’m going to do.”

Over the next two months, Weise got stronger and became more adept at using the right side of his body again. He worked on projects and tasks his doctors assigned for him to learn more about the medical field. They even allowed him to look at his own medical records and challenged him to diagnose what happened.

Weise returned to Valdosta in the fall of 2012, and despite what his doctors told him, he didn’t take long to delve into his new-found passion as he enrolled at Valdosta State for the

spring 2013 semester as a biology major.

“It was a great step in the right direction,” Weise said.

“There were a lot of times when I was leaving Shepard where the neurophysiologist would say, ‘You can’t go back to school.’

But to me – of course the moral support of friends and family was great – but it was that doubt that really motivated me the most.

That’s why I decided to pursue it and pursued it so hard.”

During the Chemistry 2 course he took the summer session of 2013, Weise realized his hard work was paying off.

“I received a ‘B,’” Weise

said. “A ‘B’ is not a great grade, but when you can’t stand up on your own two feet and you’re considered disabled, a ‘B’ within a year from having a near death experience is something to be proud of.”

Unfortunately, he suffered a slight setback in January 2014.

During a game of pickup basketball, he was hit in the head and was taken to Jacksonville’s Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital because he was experiencing right-sided hemiparesis.

Luckily, because he wasn’t as affected as during the first injury, he jumped right into rehab, which lasted until March. During

his second rehab stint, he was introduced to Tony Annan and Stuart Sharp, who invited him to the U.S. Paralympic Soccer facilities in Chula Vista, California, upon clearance.

In the meantime, Weise continued with school. Now enrolled at the University of North Florida, Weise focused more on studying physical therapy, taking all the prerequisites to get into physical therapy school. His reasoning for this focus was simple: “help others who were just like me.”

“I want to be able to find that next kid that has a brain injury that doesn’t feel motivated to get better,” Weise said. “I want to be

able to tell him that I’ve done it…

I’ve done it twice. And I promise you I’m going to do everything to help you do it too.”

During the summer of 2014, he accepted that camp invite to California. Much like his days as a youth, this opportunity led Weise around many parts of the world.

This time he represented his country alongside others facing similar hardships, all while doing something as trivial as playing soccer.

“It was an awesome opportunity,” Weise said. “Fantastic group of guys. Coaching staff, physical therapists, physician assistants, doctors were great people. Some of these guys who have served for our country who’ve had ridiculous amounts of traumatic brain injuries and are still alive today happy to represent our country”.

It once again reiterated to him that there is so much more to be thankful for in life and that there are people worse off than himself who don’t let struggles discourage them.

“I always felt bad for myself,” Weise said. “‘Why me?’ Then I’d see some of the guys with cerebral palsy, who were born that way put a smile on every day, who’ve overcome so much and have a positive outlook on life.”

He played his last game with the national team a couple of years ago, as he’s finishing up with school. But if the right moment presented itself, he wouldn’t hesitate to be a part of it again.

Weise appreciates everyone who stood by his side through the difficult road, including his parents, friends, and physicians.

But he wanted to particularly thank three of his former coaches: Brett Surrency, Ed Joyce, and Stuart Sharp.

“They were very important in giving me the opportunity to play for the Paralympic team and my opportunity to play in college,” Weise said.

As it nears toward five years since his accident, Weise still uses his experience as motivation to strive for success. He will spend the upcoming summer finishing his degree at UNF through an internship at Exodus before heading to Gainesville to begin physical therapy school at the University of Florida in August.

“I was dealt a bad hand of cards, but somehow I managed to get through the game,” Weise said. “I was just an average guy doing what I think anyone would do. When your back is against the wall, you don’t have much direction to go. When you hit the bottom, the only direction to go is up.”

In The Game | 23

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL

LADY HORNETS S TAT E C H A M P I O N S Mitchell County Hospital 24 | itgsportsnetwork.com 229.336.8255 • www.archbold.org/tpt

Archbold Medical Center

@ArchboldMedical

ArchboldMedical

State Champions Made in the Offseason: Pelham High School Lady Hornets Win 2016-17 A-Public State Title

T

Written by: Sarah Turner Photography by: Vince Jupiter

The Pelham High School girls basketball team conquered their 2016-17 season, and as the clock ticked down in the final quarter of the state championship game against Telfair County, an accomplishment that hadn’t been achieved in exactly 20 years for the girls team, the ultimate dream for any high school athlete, became reality.

“I took my Player of the Year out first, Destiny Thomas, and she just grabbed me and hugged me, and we nearly ended up on the score table falling.” Antonia Tookes, Lady Hornets head coach, said. “She was so happy. I took the rest of my starters out one by one so they could get a standing ovation. Then they were waiting on the clock to run out, and when it did, they just took out onto the floor, hugging each other, crying, and I think I was crying too. It just was awesome.”

The Lady Hornets ended up with an 18-point win over Telfair County to earn the A-public state title with a final score of 60-42 at the Georgia Dome in Athens, Georgia.

However, the Lady Hornets’ success didn’t begin at the tip off of the state championship game, and it didn’t begin after their first playoff game win against Lanier County High School. Actually, the beginning of the regular season didn’t even mark the start of this particular team’s victory road.

“The season actually begins over the summer,” Tookes said. “We wanted to play the state championship runner-up from last year, which was Carol County, and they wanted to play the game I guess because she thought there would be no competition, and I kind of wanted to play her to better our team as well. We ended up beating them, and I think it kind of gave the kids a little confidence. If we beat the state runner-up, then we should be playing for a state championship. It put a light in their heads that they could actually win this thing for real.”

The Lady Hornets proved their potential over the summer as they continued to beat or just miss beating elite level teams.

Once the regular season began, the Lady Hornets took off. They won 14 straight games until they lost to Lowndes High School at the Vikettes’ home gym.

After that game, Tookes received an email from the superintendent reminding her that an undefeated season

Season Record

30-1

In The Game | 25

simply isn’t the main goal. Win the last game – that’s all that matters.

“I read that to my team the next day,” Tookes said. “We wanted to go undefeated, but we couldn’t worry about that loss. We had another game to play. I guess they took their frustration out in the next game, and we had 17 straight victories after that.”

For Tookes, their last game and eventual win was fairly intimidating. To have come so far and finally make it to the game that either made history or was merely noted in the record books as another “almost state title” is understandably

something to be nervous about.

For the girls, however, they had played in The Dome at a previous UGA summer camp, and something about the team on this day reflected that they wouldn’t take “almost” for an answer.

“When we ran out of the tunnel, the kids were relaxed, but I was nervous to death,” Tookes said.

“The kids were telling me, ‘Coach, sit down. We’re good. You’re okay.

We got you. We got this.’ I really didn’t want them to see how nervous I was, but they saw it, and they were teasing me, but I was thinking, ‘Okay, they’re not nervous.’”

As confidence and nerves combined for some healthy adrenaline, the game began. The first couple quarters were close, but the Lady Hornets took off by the second half.

“The first thing that went through my mind was, ‘We finally did it after coming so close before,’” said Thomas, senior guard, Region Player of the Year, and GACA Player of the Year. “It’s still unbelievable now. Maybe I’ll finally realize once we get our rings.”

Accomplishing a goal young women had been trying to re-accomplish for the past two decades isn’t an easy event to let sink in, but

for Mahogony Randall, junior guard and member of the All-State Team and First Team All Region, hardware is certainly helpful.

“It was unbelievable,” Randall said. “I don’t think it was real until I got the trophy in my hand. We had a great season. We all feel like family, and the coaches did a great job.

As for next season, I plan on working even harder at practice.”

Randall will return, and Tookes is prepared to help her team repeat the winning season, which is starting right now.

“The season begins in the summer.” That’s a mantra Tookes lives by, and it’s something her players believe in too.

They believe in each other. They believe in their coach. And when those beliefs are genuine, that’s the recipe for state titles.

“She is a very hardworking coach; she always pushes us to play our best no matter the team we’re playing,” said Aliyah Williams, senior guard and member of the All-State Team and First Team All Region. “We have to listen because we want to win, and we have to trust our coach in order to win.”

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL

LADY HORNETS CONGRATULATIONS, STATE CHAMPIONS!

Mitchell County Hospital • Mitchell Convalescent Center Medical Group of Mitchell County • Pelham Primary Care Pelham Parkway Nursing Home • Camilla Pediatrics 229.336.4600 www.archbold.org Archbold Medical Center

@ArchboldMedical

ArchboldMedical

“God blessed me with a lot of heart and no height, and I’ll take that any day.”

Nate Robinson Point Guard, 5-9 Former NBA Player

FAST BREAK

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE Written by: Jon Nelson Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson and Michael Chapman

It all comes down to one word: change.

And you don’t need David Bowie or Sheryl Crow to talk about it for us all to realize that another high school football season is right around the corner!

(Although, it never really leaves with National Signing Day, the 7v7 camps all around the southeast, and the recruiting camps that seem to have a life of their own now.)

This year, it actually starts at the top for the GHSA as Robin Hines takes over for Gary Phillips as the new executive director. If you look at the coaching turnover, the numbers might look

staggering. But, really, the high-90s is about 23 percent of the head coaching jobs based in the state.

So, while the numbers might tell you one thing, change is the only real constant in all of this.

(For the record, the most in a season is 101 back in 2008, according to the GHSFHA.) Believe it or not, there is an actual chain you can follow for this one.

Call it “Six Degrees of In the Game.”

Welton Coffey retires as head coach at Camden County to become athletic director. He brings in Bob Sphire from North Gwinnett to coach. (That was one of the shockers in the offseason.)

Larry Harold is gone from Brunswick. Pierce County’s Sean Pender is in, which meant Jason Strickland could move from Fitzgerald to Pierce, which meant Tucker Pruitt could move from assistant to head coach at Fitzgerald and be a legacy hire there with his dad having been coach when he was a player in town.

And that barely starts it.

John Ford moved from Roswell to Buford when Jess Simpson went from Buford to Georgia State to the Falcons in the snap of a finger.

Jeff Herron left the state of Georgia after his title run at Grayson and is now at TL Hanna in South Carolina.

Former Valdosta head coach Rance Gillespie moved to Hart County near the South Carolina border from the college ranks. And, for the record, he now has one of those Apple-powered wrist watches. He can’t set it 10-20 minutes fast anymore to keep him ahead of the gameday itself.

Chip Walker left Sandy Creek and is now at Newnan.

Rick Tomberlin retired at Calvary Day, and the school brought back

Mark Stroud.

And you see names like Von Lassiter, John Small, Steve Pardue, Mark Fleetwood, Tony Welch, Steve Pennington, and Bill Ballard either in or out of work. And you see schools like Statesboro, MCA, Tattnall, Jefferson, Milton, and Walton with new coaches, and it says a LOT about the sport today.

You even have two former NFL’ers – Jeff Saturday and Terrence Mathis – now patrolling the sidelines.

And the sneakiest hire of the offseason might have gone to Colquitt County where Mo Dixon left his head coaching job at Walton and moved to be the defensive coordi-

nator in Moultrie.

Dude can coach, and they want to win more championships.

So, as the season is about to get into the practice stages all over again, What do you think, Dear Reader, is the best hire in the offseason for your school? And it doesn’t even have to be a head coach.

Reach out to me on Twitter @OSGNelson or here at In the Game @ InTheGameNation, and there’s always Facebook – or seeing me face-to-face when we do.

Play it safe, everyone.

Can’t wait to see y’all again! And, it will be sooner than you think!

In The Game | 27

Multisport Athletes Have Eventful Senior Year Written by: Beth Welch | Photography by: George McDuffie

Columbus High School requires their seniors to participate in a senior project prior to graduation. Floyd and Scott have outgoing personalities that were evident when asked about their projects.

Tumbling was Floyd’s senior project, and due to spending so much time with basketball and sports, she was a little afraid of not making it to the deadline without getting a “tuck” nailed down. Laughing at herself, Floyd said she learned quickly that what looked so easy on television was actually hard work.

For her project, Scott chose to take up crocheting. As she described the intricate work involved, she had both young women laughing when she said she was almost finished with her crocheted dog rattle. Eventually, Scott clarified it was a baby rattle crocheted in the shape of a dog.

28 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Track athletes Brittany Floyd and Marlisa Scott missed the early part of track season this year at Columbus High School. Ordinarily, such absences might result in disciplinary actions or other repercussions at the discretion of the coach. For Floyd and Scott, however, their lack of attendance at a few practices and a couple of meets didn’t bother their coach, Robert Peters.

“It worked out fine,” Peters said about the athletes, who actually had a really good reason for their late start. “They came in like they hadn’t missed anything.”

Both young women were members of Columbus High School’s girls basketball team, which took top honors in March as AAAA state champs.

“It was exciting,” Floyd said with a big smile.

Scott not only echoed her teammate’s feelings about the winning season, but she said the team set a goal to go all the way to the title win.

“We were ranked No. 1 in the preseason,” Scott said. “We knew we could do it, so that was our goal.”

The seniors just ended their high school years and will be attending colleges on athletic scholarships. Surprisingly, neither will be playing basketball as collegiate athletes.

Floyd, 5’4” and a twosport athlete, signed as a track and field athlete with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She got her start with the sport in the seventh grade and will be used at UAB for the long jump, triple jump, and 800-meter race.

“They wanted me to run cross country, but I don’t think I will be doing that,”

Floyd said. “I love the long jump. I love jumping in the sand.”

At Columbus High, Floyd was a long jumper, participated in the triple jump, ran the 800, and was a member of the 4x400 meter relay team. Her fastest time in the 800 prior to this track season was 2 minutes, 20 seconds, and the senior set a goal to shave five seconds off that by the end of the 2017 season.

She also planned to be first in the state in her school’s classification for long jump.

Scott signed an athletic scholarship to play softball at Jackson State in the fall. The 5’8” centerfielder and secondary shortstop has been playing softball for years. She started playing baseball at the age of 5 and eventually moved to softball when she wasn’t allowed to play baseball any longer.

“Yes, I played baseball first but had to change to softball because I was a girl,” Scott said, laughing.

She chose to attend Jackson State over some other offers because of tradition.

“It’s a Historically Black College,” Scott said. “Both my parents attended Historically Black Colleges, and I liked the idea of continuing in that tradition.”

As a track and field athlete for four years at CHS, Scott participated in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdle events and was a member of the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams. She got her start in hurdles because her father ran hurdles and Scott decided she wanted to see how it was done.

Both young women selected Columbus High School after middle school because of the school’s reputation for high academic standards. Students who attend CHS learn to adapt to the rigorous course load, and

managing one sport much less two or three in that environment is impressive. Floyd ended her senior year with a 3.9 GPA while juggling two sports, and three-sport athlete Scott graduated with a 3.5 GPA. Playing basketball together for four years provided them with a lot of great memories. Floyd, a point guard, and Scott, a shooting guard, discovered their freshman year at Columbus High it wasn’t the first time the two played basketball together. Back in elementary school they played on the same team for a local YMCA youth league. Unlike that ex-

perience, the athletes’ time as part of the Lady Blue Devils ended with seeing a state championship goal become a reality.

One of the best rewards for that accomplishment came in the form of jewelry: a state championship ring.

When asked if they had received theirs, the young women said they hadn’t been sized yet for the rings and didn’t know when the rings would be delivered.

The anticipation of that event was still exciting to them, though.

“I can’t wait,” they said, almost in unison.

Lowndes County

One Mile at a Time, Lowndes High School Sets Standards For South Georgia Running Columbus Valley

Archery Program Hits Bullseye With State Championship

New Year, Same Mission: Clinch County Standouts Aim to Bring Home Another Title

1

IN THE Cover

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

#

NOVEMBER 2016

Shannon Young Trezman Marshall Charles McClelland

In The Game | 29

www.MillaCreationszPhotography.com Contact us at: 229-339-9439 or 229-392-9664 MillaCreationszPhotos@yahoo.com

30 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Your High School Gridiron Guide

10

South Georgia’s Top Players to Watch

10

Columbus Valley’s Top players to Watch

Play Our ITG Pick’Em Challenge!

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

Find Your Team’s Preview Inside!

#

2

Cover

August 2016

SOUTH GEORGIA

In The Game | 31

SERVING SOUTH GEORGIA FAMILIES FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS

Prince of Albany 2701 Ledo Road

Prince Automotive 1410 Hwy 82 W.

Prince Ford 109 Westgreen Hwy

Prince Automovite 4550 N. Valdosta Rd

(229) 432-6271

(229) 382-2525

(912) 384-2600

(229) 242-3311

Albany

32 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Tifton

Douglas

www.PrinceAuto.com

Valdosta

For Colquitt County Quarterback Jay Saunders, The Time to Shine Is Now

Colquitt County

Bouncing Back Better

Tift County basketball team

Blue Devils Making Splash With Dive Team Noelle Brena / Columus High

Malkom Parrish University of Georgia

The Fight In the Dawg: No Matter the Obstacle, Parrish Comes to Play

SOUTH GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

3 GAME IN THE Cover

FAST BREAK The Impact of the 2016 world series Area Teams Exhibit Remarkable In The Game | 33 Balance in Regular Season Action DECEMBER 2016

#

Senior Cou g

with the

Crisp County High School has not been known as a powerhouse football program since the 1980s. In fact, five of the seven region championships that the Cougars own came from 1980-89. The only other two came in 1995 and 2016.

How then, were the Cougars able to put together the most wins in school history out of seemingly nowhere? My guess, as well as many others’, would be their prized four-star defensive end and linebacker Markaviest Bryant.

Bryant, who was born and raised in Crisp County, fell in love with the game of football early on and never looked back. However, the road hasn’t always been easy for him. Growing up, he was a long and lanky kid who was never really seen as an elite athlete.

That is until he discovered an insatiable work ethic and dedicated his entire life to becoming a great football player and student. All of his hard work payed off with 85 scholarship offers and a National Letter of Intent to Auburn University.

To view Markaviest Bryant’s full story, go to our website!

“I was told I wasn’t big enough,” Bryant said. “I was told I wasn’t strong enough and that I wasn’t fast enough. All of that gets taken into consideration, and it drives me. I don’t play to prove them wrong, though. I play to be the best Markaviest Bryant I possibly can.”

#

1

Photo

34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

gar Shines

e Lights

Written by: James A Washington Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Marque Milla Reese Published in the September 2016 Edition

In The Game | 35

Go ahead and cheer.

Your Mobile Deposit* was received! Now enjoy the game.

Member FDIC |

Equal Housing Lender | www.citizenscommunitybank.net *Mobile banking requires a text and/or data plan from your service provider.

Check with your mobile carrier for details.

Hahira | Morven | North Valdosta | Baytree

Sports Performance Training Speed and Agility Training Adult and Personal Training Classes

edgevaldosta@gmail.com

“Coach preaches that we can’t have a ‘me’ attitude—it’s got to be about the team.”

Written by: Shane Thomas Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Marque Milla Reese Published in the January 2017 Edition

A Family That Plays Together

#

2

Photo

Family is a term that we hear thrown around the sports world almost every day.

Every team wants to have a family atmosphere between the players and coaches.

Family is supposed to bring out the best in everyone.

The Turner County basketball team embodies everything family means for a team. The father of this team is head coach Shedrick Office. Office believes in a “we, not me” mentality that he preaches to his team, and we are seeing the fruits of his labor.

In this family atmosphere, Office touts his players’ abilities to police themselves.

Also, the close bond the players formed over the years allows them to be best friends on and off the court.

As Office has proven, to be a great team, you not only have to talk the talk, but you have to walk the walk as well.

To view Turner County’s full story, go to our website!

In The Game | 37

38 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Tiftarea Gymnast Balances Life’s Beams to Perfection Written by: James A Washington Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Marque Milla Reese Published in the October 2016 Edition

A

#

3

Photo

t a young age, it was apparent that Tiftarea’s Anna Sumner would be destined for gymnastics. Growing up in a family that participated in gymnastics led Sumner to fall in love with the sport, and she has never looked back.

Sumner is now a Level 10 gymnast as a sophomore, and this comes off the heels of her competing at the Eastern Nationals in Tampa, Florida.

Not only is Sumner a fantastic gymnast, but she is also a model student.

In addition to what amounts to a part time job in gymnastics, Anna also participates in BETA Club and the National Honors Society while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. This goes to show that with enough hard work and dedication, you can truly do anything you set your mind to.

To view Anna Sumner’s full story, go to our website!

In The Game | 39

Bennett, George Lead Experienced Group of Hornets With High Hopes for 2017 Cook High School has a proud tradition in baseball. Two guys who look forward to carrying this tradition on are Sam Bennett and Gunner George.

Unfortunately, in the 2015-16 season, the Hornets finished with a respectable 18-8 record but failed to make the playoffs. However, Bennett and George are certain they’ll change that in the 2016-17 season.

This season, the Hornets return a nucleus of young talent and are poised to make a run at the playoffs.

The lessons they learned from the disappointing 2016 season certainly carried over into the offseason as the Hornets worked as hard as they ever have to make it back to the GHSA playoffs.

For Bennett, his 2017 goals are to make first team all-region, commit less than 3 errors, and bat a .450 average. For George, his 2017 goals are to have more productive at bats, improve his on base percentage, and break the Cook stolen base record.

To view Cook’s full story, go to our website!

“I feel like playing for Cook has taught me trust, commitment, good work ethic, how to be a leader, and how to never give up and always give one-hundred percent,” Bennett said.

#

4

Photo

40 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Written by: Jacob Dennis Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Micki K. Photography Published in the January 2017 Edition

What does it mean to leave a legacy? It means doing everything you can do and always finding a way to get the goal accomplished, no matter the circumstances. You are remembered forever for what you achieved.

That is exactly what Valdosta Wildcat Antwon Kincade did. Among his accomplishments are a first-round game-sealing interception against North Cobb in 2015; win number 900 against Lowndes; and, most recently, the 25th state championship for the Valdosta Wildcats.

Not only did Kincade leave a legacy on the field, he has also created a legacy within the halls of Valdosta High. Kincade is a bit of a celebrity with his teachers and other students in the school for being a gracious and hardworking student.

One thing is for sure: If you’re going to leave a legacy at a place like Valdosta High, you had better do something special because the amount of talent that has touched Bazemore-Hyder Stadium is unmatched. Kincade, however, did exactly that.

To view Antwon Kincade’s full story, go to our website!

Leaving a Legacy: Antwon Kincade Written by: James Washington Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Micki K. Photography Published in the October 2016 Edition

#

42 | itgsportsnetwork.com

5

Photo

10 Questions

with

Chris Whidby Written by: Beth Welch Photography courtesy of Chris Whidby

I t’s probably never been easy to navigate through

the recruiting process for high school athletes. Today’s athletes, however, have a virtual minefield to maneuver when seeking college scholarships by way of athletics.

College coaches and recruiters have thousands of applicants each year from male and female athletes. Often, very talented athletes miss an opportunity to play at the next level simply because they are unaware of how to work through the process.

Chris Whidby is one of a new breed of entrepreneurs who are assisting athletes on the road to gaining a college degree while playing sports. His company, CoachRecruitMe, is on a mission to help young athletes pursue the dream of becoming collegiate athletes. In the Game asked Whidby 10 Questions about his background, his business, and the college recruiting process.

In The Game: Did you play sports in high school?

Chris Whidby: Yes, in high school I played football, basketball, track and field as well as baseball.

ITG: What did you do after high school?

CW: After high school, I served in the US Army for 10 years training and teaching soldiers.

ITG: When did you become involved in coaching?

CW: About 25 years ago I started coaching youth programs during middle school years. Over the course of time, I started coaching adult league sports in military from basketball, football and baseball.

ITG: What led you to become interested in the recruiting of high school athletes?

CW: About two years ago, some friends that played collegiate and professional sports began looking for a way to help high school athletes attain scholarships.

For the last two years, we have been helping high school athletes throughout the southeast states. Our team of certified recruiting coordinators knows the NCAA and NAIA rules and requirements for all sports.

Our team members have experience in the scouting field in all sports.

Personal Bio Name: Christopher Whidby Job title or occupation: Collegiate Recruiting Coordinator; CEO/President of CoachRecruitMe,LLC; CEO/President of Southeast Battleground Tour Hometown: Monticello, GA Current residence: Phenix City, Alabama Education (high school/college): Jasper County High School, Monticello, GA: BS in Sport Management, Columbia Southern University, Orange Beach, AL Sports awards or accomplishments: Defensive Player of the Year, 1996, Jasper County High School; Defensive back for Empire League in upstate New York; Head Golf Coach, Forest Trail Sports University, 12/15 to 2/17; Member of United State Golf Association (USGA), play some events with Golf Channel Pro-am Tour Family: Been married for 18 years and have two teenage boys, Jeremiah and Khalil Hobbies or favorite pastime: Playing golf events, training athletes Person you most admire: Jesus, and my family as well as mentors in my life.

Website: www.coachrecruitme.com; www.sebattlegroundtour.com

ITG: Why is there a need for high school athletes to seek assistance when considering playing collegiate sports?

CW: There are a few reasons. First, there needs to be a scouting evaluation report to be conducted on skill set of the athlete in the sport and position they are pursuing. For example, height, weight, speed, bench and squat max and more. Second thing is their academic qualifications, GPA, NCAA, Core Classes requirements and more. This is why it’s so important for parents to reach out to our team for help. Our team members can go into great details about the recruiting process.

ITG: What steps are involved with a high school athlete seeking assistance with regard to the recruiting process?

CW: First thing is to fill out high school evaluation report completely. Second, make sure the athlete summits a good phone number for one of our team members to contact the athlete. After a review of the athlete’s status, someone from our team will set up time to go over the report with the parents about the athlete.

ITG: What mistakes do you see parents/guardians of athletes or even athletes themselves make when attempting to seek athletic scholarships?

CW: There are a lot of mistakes parents make mainly because of not understanding the recruiting process.

Parents trying to do scouting reports on their athlete not knowing what information college coaches are looking for. College coach only has a few minutes to view each athlete’s profile information. They receive thousands of athlete profile packages each season so everything has to be in order on their profile. This step is so important. They only have one shot with that coach. Parents have to understand there are 8 million seniors each year around the country. It’s important for you to let our certified team members do the work for you.

ITG: Are there any new rules or regulations that high school athletes may not be aware of when thinking about seeking college scholarships?

CW: There are some new rules in NCAA. Main two review the 16 Core Classes requirement and registration fees. Visit NCAA website for more details.

ITG: What advice would you give a high school athlete who feels he or she might be able to play at the next level?

CW: Go to our website page and submit your evaluation report so our team can review your information.

One of our certified recruiting coordinators will contact you to go over your report.

ITG: What is the best part of working with young athletes?

CW: Able to see their dreams come true to be able to play at the collegiate level and earn a four year degree in the process. Knowing that I was a part of helping change someone’s life for the good forever.

In The Game | 43

2016-17 South Georgia Athletic Awards Banquet

2017 AWARDS BANQUET

Written by: Cole Parker | Photography by: Micki K Photography South Georgia is home to countless premier individuals, teams, and athletic programs, so you can imagine just how difficult it was to narrow down and select the top three best male and female athletes in every sport.

There were many, many deserving nominees within each sport, as well as the overall award winners, but with the help of local coaches, players, and fans, our ITG Team assembled what we consider to be an extremely worthy group of individuals.

On June 1, 2017, we gathered the top athletes in South Georgia together in Downtown Valdosta for a night of recognizing their incredible talents, efforts,

and support systems. Surrounded by their peers, families, coaches, and fans, each of these outstanding student-athletes were awarded for their accomplishments.

Before the awards ceremony, everyone shared a meal together and heard an inspiring message from Zach Parker, former Lowndes High School and Valdosta State University football player and national champion. His message of hard work, perseverance, and translating the lessons learned from sports into life after sports left a resounding impact on the room.

We want to extend a special thanks to our sponsors for making this banquet

Football - presented by ELead James Graham: Fitzgerald Cam Walker: Valwood Antwon Kincade: Valdosta

44 | itgsportsnetwork.com

possible: the Vereen Rehabilitation Center, Kevin Ross Financial Services, Farah & Farah, Tift Regional Medical Center, McDonald’s, eLead, State Farm, Citizens Community Bank, Wild Side Running, and Big Nick’s Barbeque.

If you missed the banquet, be sure to head to our website or Facebook page to see video footage and more great photography!

Again, congratulations to our ITG Athletes of the Year, and best of luck next season.

Softball Rylan Hedgecock: Lowndes Ally Clegg: Lee County Madeline Parker: Thomas County Central

Volleyball - presented Citizens Community Bank

Erin Moss: Valwood Kenzley Bell: Lowndes Kamryn Lane: Lee County

2017 AWARDS BANQUET

Girls XC - presented by Wild Side Running Emily Golden: Tift County Monica Webb: Pelham Charlotte Augenstein: Deerfield-Windsor

Competition Cheerleading Anna Bullington: Lee County Andria Rich: Thomas County Central

Boys Swimming & Diving Carlton Paulk: Colquitt County Jacob Harper: Tift County Parker Hardigree: Colquitt County

Girls Swimming & Diving Claire Ryland: Tift County Dorian Usry: Deerfield-Windsor Tara Stevens: Bainbridge

Boys Basketball Micah Johnson: Tift County Reggie Perry: Thomasville Octavius Fudge: Lowndes

Girls Basketball Destiny Thomas: Pelham Diamond Hall: Colquitt County Nadia Marshall: Bainbridge

Wrestling Dalton Burks: Tift County Wright Walker: Irwin County John Watts: Coffee County

Gymnastics Anna Sumner: Tiftarea Elyssa Roberts: Tift County Timia Fowler: Colquitt County

Boys XC - presented by Wild Side Running Kaleb Wolfenden: Lowndes Ethan Merrit: Deerfield-Windsor Dallas Hunt: Tiftarea

In The Game | 45

2017 AWARDS BANQUET

Boys Tennis Geoffrey Martin: Thomasville Robby Espano: Irwin County Thomas Harrison: Brookwood

Girls Tennis Hannah Clayton: Irwin County Rachel Cooper: Brookwood Sophia Winters: Coffee County

Boys Soccer Cameron Earls: Tift County Luke Wallace: Thomasville Logan Bryant: Fitzgerald

Girls Soccer Cassidy Norman: Lee County Yuli Serrano: Fitzgerald Margo Rainey: Thomasville

Boys Track & Field Ziare Andrews: Irwin County Morgan Jamison: Lowndes Kevin Martin: Fitzgerald

Girls Track & Field Kennadie Williams: Lowndes Mahogany Walter: Thomas County Central Rebecca Chandler: Berrien

Baseball-Kevin Ross Financial Servies Steven Williams: Deerfield-Windsor Josh Hatcher: Lee County Emerson Hancock: Cairo

Boys Golf Hunter Courtney: Cairo Tanner Brown: Colquitt County Chip Thompson: Brookwood

Girls Golf Elizabeth Funderburk: Colquitt County Emma Somers: Lowndes

46 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Congratulations

Tamorrion Terry

Vereen Center 2016-17 Male Athlete of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations

Kaysie Harrelson

In the Game 2016-17 Female Athlete of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations

Mackenzie Puckett Kevin Ross Financial Services 2016-17 Fall Athlete of the Year

Kevin Ross Financial Services Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations P.J. Horne

McDonald’s 2016-17 Winter Athlete of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations D.L. Hall

In the Game 2016-17 Spring Athlete of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations

Sara Beth Rountree In the Game 2016-17 Scholar Athlete of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations

Kendall Salter

McDonald’s 2016-17 Community Athlete of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations

Lakyn Sailer

Farah & Farah 2016-17 Forward Progress Award

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations

Josh Inman

In the Game 2016-17Youth Athlete of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

Congratulations

Eric Holland

Tift Regional Medical Center 2016-17 Coach of the Year

Presented by In the Game Sports Network June 1, 2017

In the last couple of years, Albany’s Deerfield-Windsor School made quite a splash in the competitive diving scene. The girls varsity team dominated in the water and earned its second straight GISA state championship, solidifying a reputation of consistency and resolve for the Lady Knights.

At the 2017 championship competition, Deerfield-Windsor dominated Augusta Preparatory Day School, resulting in a final score of 136-86. The meet was an impressive display of talent from multiple star performers.

Dorian Usry, junior, led with two individual state championships, two first-places finishes in relay, and an additional second-place individual finish. Sophomore Anna Johnson and senior Perin Hancock earned first-place in

individual events, while the 200yard medley relay and 200-meter freestyle relay teams, comprised of Usry, Hancock, and Deena Willcox, earned state championships. Johnson also contributed a second-place finish in the 100-meter freestyle.

Assistant head swim coach Morgan Garcia noted that the year was indeed a great one for the Lady Knights, adding that the co-ed team also earned a second-place overall finish.

“The leadership paired with the combined experience and overall chemistry of the team was as evident this season as it was in the last,” Garcia said. “We were able to showcase a combination of talent and commitment in our team, the result of 13 years of cultivation.”

Garcia, who was the original

Winning Water in the

Written by: Miranda Moore Photography courtesy of Deerfield-Windsor School

head coach at the onset of the program now led by coach Lisa Bartlett, is excited to see what 2018 holds for the team with the progression of talent.

“Although we are losing Perin Hancock, one of the top scorers in Deerfield-Windsor’s swimming program history, we have several returning and rising stars with what we hope will prove to be enough talent and commitment to secure a third consecutive state championship,” Garcia said.

Garcia’s confidence in the team comes from working with athletes who are motivated and dedicated to raising the bar. As a coach, Garcia said that he looks for ways to drive each student to improve and bring her best to the team, adding that the coaching team focuses on discipline.

“We don’t believe that practice makes perfect,” Garcia said. “We believe that perfect practice makes perfect, and we don’t settle for mediocrity during workouts.”

He praised the girls for consistently bringing their best to practices and meets.

“They understand that they are all accountable to the team, and none of them want to let the others down, so they won’t settle for less than the best from themselves or each other,” Garcia said.

Swimming, unlike most other competitive sports, blends individual and team competition in a way that requires players to focus equally on besting the competition in both individual and team capacities.

“We encourage our swimmers to consistently push themselves and to strive for perfect practice,” Garcia said. “They can’t focus on anyone else when they’re racing, so we train them to compete with themselves. We help them set realistic goals that ultimately lead to second over second improvement. As they progress individually, they earn more points, which ultimately leads to the success of the whole team.”

Usry, who has been swimming competitively with the Deerfield-Windsor program for many years, had an undoubtedly boast-worthy season, and Garcia expects that she will bring even more ferocity to the competition next year.

“I look forward to seeing Dorian really step up and come into her own as a leader,” Garcia said. “She spends an amazing amount of time in the water developing her craft, so she is always comfortable and relaxed. I’m excited to see how she is able to help her teammates grow to the same level of confidence.”

Garcia believes that Usry will be integral in the development of the younger swimmers.

Star athlete Johnson, whom Garcia

described as “a machine,” was also a consistent achiever this year.

“Anna is the hardest working athlete on the team,” Garcia said. “She is focused and leads her teammates by example. She is very vocal with the other girls, and I’m excited about seeing her grow as a leader over the next couple of years.”

Johnson, who also rides and shows horses competitively, said that the year was a challenging but encouraging one.

“I had some concerns at the beginning of the year about being able to improve my times, and it was definitely tough having to split focus between riding and swimming,” Johnson said, explaining that show season and swim season have some overlap. “When Perin was injured, we definitely had our work cut out for us, but the team really pulled through and came together.

There was a lot of pressure on us to live up to the standard we set after winning the state championship for the first time last year, and we delivered. We’re going to put everything into continuing the legacy we’ve built by defending our title again next year.”

As the Lady Knights push themselves to new heights, will next season prove the team worthy of a third consecutive title? Only time will tell, but if the team and individual performances of 2016 and 2017 are any indication, 2018 looks quite promising.

CHAMPIONSHIP CULTURE

The Lady Knights established their dominance in the pool this year, but the rest of the Deerfield-Windsor athletic program was running right alongside them in GISA AAA championships in 2016-17.

Their boys and girls track teams swept the competition for state titles, led by the individual championship efforts of John Jacobs, John Collier Logan, Lila Lanier, and Sarah Cox. The boys cross country team also took home the state title with Ethan Merritt and Porter Hill placing in the top 10 finishers at the state meet.

In The Game | 53

1

#

story

Written by: Jacob Dennis Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Marque Milla Reese Published in the August 2016 Edition

FOOTBALL UNDER FIRE: How the Propst Ruling Reflects Cultural Change There is no doubt the Colquitt County Packer head coach Rush Propst is a polarizing figure in South Georgia football. However, when he became the victim of a power move by the Georgia Performance Standards Commission, seemingly everyone rallied around him.

In December 2015, the Colquitt County Packers were en route to their 30-0 mark and the second of back-toback state championships. A heated semi-final contest with Mill Creek High School had everyone on edge, including Propst. During a timeout, Propst sensed a lapse in effort by his team and attempted to fire them up by headbut-

ting kicker Lou Martinez, who was wearing his helmet. After the headbutt, GPB cameras focused on Propst, who was bleeding profusely from his forehead. Propst, in a halftime interview, related his headbutt to Georgia Southern legend Erk Russell, who used similar tactics.

The headbutt became an internet sensation shortly after the game but died down after the Packers’ state championship win.

Flash forward to June of 2016: Propst and the Packers were preparing like every other team for the 2016 season when Propst received a call from the Georgia Performance Standards Commission. Upon

receiving the call, Propst was notified that he would be suspended the entire 2016 season for the headbutt in the 2015 playoffs.

After word got out about the suspension, the entire South Georgia football community rallied around Propst and demanded the suspension be lifted.

In this article, Jacob Dennis focuses on how this ruling reflects the cultural change of high school athletics and how a South Georgia community rallied around a beloved coach.

To view the full story, go to our website!

wiregrass

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

54 | itgsportsnetwork.com

MOST RECENT

BACK TO BACK

FOOTBALL

CHAMPIONS

SEASON 2011-12 2011 Record: 12-1 2012 Record: 13-1

“Would we be discussing Propst’s suspension if Colquitt County had gone 16-14 over the last two years instead of 300? Would we even be talking about this at all if Propst didn’t already have a negative image in the media due to past events which have nothing to do with this incident? These points can be debated, but the answers are “no,” “no,” and “no.”

No professional organization would waste time and delay handing down such a harsh punishment, and we most definitely would not be discussing this incident today if the Packers head coach wasn’t a controversial figure with back-to-back state titles under his belt.”

SEASON 2004-05

2004 Record: 14-2 2005 Record: 14-2

SEASON 1998-99 1998 Record: 12-4 1999 Record: 14-2

In The Game | 55

Brittany C. Rhodes Rhodes Country Financial Financial Financial Representative Representative 3338 Country Club Rd. Bldg Bldg LL •• Valdosta, Valdosta, Ga Ga

Contact Contactus ustoday todayfor formore moreinformation information Auto,home, home, and issued byby COUNTRY Auto, andCommercial Commercialpolicies policies issued Mutual Insurance COUNTRY Casualty COUNTRY Mutual Company®, Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Insurance Company®, or COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Casualty Insurance Company®, or COUNTRY Preferred Company®.

Life Insurance Policies issued byInsurance COUNTRY Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. Life Life Insurance andLife COUNTRY Investors Policies issued Company®

by COUNTRY Insurance Company® Assurance Company®.

Fixed Annuities issued by and COUNTRY Investors Assurance Company®, COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®.

Issuing Bloomington, IL. Fixed Annuities issued

by COUNTRY companies located in Bloomington, IL.Bloomington, 0316-037 Investors Life Assurance Company®, IL.

Planning Planningfor forlife’s life’s little littlemoments. moments.

Get started on your road to homeownership. Call today.

Drew Rhodes

Home Mortgage Consultant NMLSR ID: 1565708 Valdosta, Ga 31605 Office:229-293-2693 Cell: 229-300-7158 Charles.Rhodes@wellsfargo.com Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.© 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. 106399

3227 N. Oak St Valdosta, Ga 31605 229-293-2693

2

Written by: Cole Parker Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Mike Chapman Published in the February 2017 Edition

#

story

HISTORY OF THEIR OWN:

Valdosta’s Surge Back to the State Title and National Stage

The Valdosta High School football tradition is the most well represented in the nation. The Wildcats have accumulated six national championships, 24 state championships, and 900-plus wins since the football program began. This amount of success helped the city of Valdosta win SportsCenter’s 2008 Title Town contest.

However, the success of the Valdosta football program has been diminished since the turn of the century. In the early 2000’s, the Lowndes High School Vikings became the top dog of the area, winning three state titles in a four-year span. All the while, the once proud Valdosta Wildcats had fallen far from the top, even

posting a program worst 1-9 season in 2006.

The decade that followed saw a Valdosta team that was average at best.

Coming into the 2016 season, the Wildcats were a relative unknown and an inexperienced team, having lost their head coach and a large group of seniors the year be-

fore. Former defensive coordinator Alan Rodemaker was appointed head coach, and he had to break in a whole new group of starters. Everyone was skeptical, and nobody knew what the 2016 season would hold for the Wildcats.

Certainly, nobody thought it would end with a state champion-

ship. That is nobody except Rodemaker and the entire Valdosta High football team. For the first time since 1998, the Valdosta Wildcats are state champions.

To view the full story, go to our website!

“These players weren’t even born yet when the last championship was won for Valdosta 18 years ago, yet these kids have been compared to those teams since they first started playing at 5 years old,” Alan Rodemaker, head coach, said. “And they had never really measured up; our coaching staff never really measured up. Yet here we are. We did measure up, and I just want to recognize these kids for what they did and how they did it.”

— Alan Rodemaker

In The Game | 57

3

#

story

Written by: Beth Welch Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: George McDuffie Published in the February 2017 Edition

CARVER BASEBALL TEAM Carrying on Coach’s Legacy It started as a day just like any other. Then in an instant, the lives of Carver High School’s baseball team members changed forever.

David Pollard, the head coach of the Carver baseball team, had to run to the store to grab chalk to line the field, just like every other coach in America. It was a trip he had made hundreds of times before, but little did he know, this would be his last.

Coach Andy Hicks was informed that Pollard was involved in a fatal accident, and Hicks was thrust into two positions: The first was being the bearer of the worst possible news to his players, and the second was becoming the new head coach of the baseball team.

Pollard was such an influential figure to his players and coaches that Hicks knew it would be impossible to replace him. However, Hicks knew that he had to do whatever it took to get his players to return to a sense of normalcy.

Their first game without Pollard was anything but normal.

To view Andy Hicks’s full story, go to our website!

“It was like something you would see in a movie,” Hicks said with a smile. “That rainbow and the win. It was the best sports moment of my life.”

58 | itgsportsnetwork.com

4

#

story

Written by: Jacob Dennis Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Lindsi Jones Published in the October 2016 Edition

Hard Work Pays Off: Cairo Syrupmaid Turns Diamond Success Into Big-Time College Scholarship

Mackenzie Puckett isn’t your average high school softball player. Rather than just playing the games and going to practice when she’s required, Puckett made softball her life.

She has worked tirelessly on her craft, and it has paid off in the biggest of dividends: a college scholarship. This isn’t just any college scholarship, either. Puckett has a full ride to Florida State University, one of the top softball schools in the nation.

In addition to the FSU scholarship, Puckett also received offers from the University of Florida, Auburn, and North Carolina, which easily makes her the most sought after recruit in Cairo High School’s history.

Not only is she a great athlete and hard worker on the field, but she is also a model student who participates in five different clubs and boasts a 4.0 GPA. We sat down with Puckett to discuss her hard work and her future at Florida State.

To view Mackenzie Puckett’s full story, go to our website!

“To be a good leader, you need to work hard and do your part, and when others see that, they hopefully will follow and do the same. Good leaders do their best on and off the field.”

– Mackenzie Puckett

60 | itgsportsnetwork.com

5

#

story

Written by: James A. Washington Summarized by: Zack Pine Photography by: Emmanuel Magbanua Published in the October 2016 Edition

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: A Local Legend Set to Leave the Field Local legend Bobby Willis decided to retire from officiating after 44 years of service in the Lowndes County area.

Since 1972, Willis has served our local communities with the utmost integrity in officiating. However, his officiating nearly cost him his life.

Seven years ago, Willis was officiating a football game between Lee County and Thomas County Central.

During the game, Willis was knocked to the ground by a player whose momentum carried him into Willis’s body.

An unknown bone spur in Willis’s neck punctured his spinal cord after he hit the ground, which effectively paralyzed him from the neck down.

After a stint in the hospital, Willis began intense physical therapy, and he is now able to fully function as he did prior to the injury.

Willis is a man of many stories and had many to tell us as we sat down with him.

We wish him the best in his retirement.

To view Bobby Willis’ full story, go to our website!

“It’s been a blessing to work with the kids and coaches all these years,” Willis said. “Some of the coaches have become great friends, and they even called when I was injured; some coaches will call at the beginning of the year to ask questions about things like rule changes. It shows a certain level of respect. Even the fans have been great over the years. At the end of the day, I believe that God knew what he was doing when he placed me here, and I thank him for everything that he has done for me.”

In The Game | 61

2016-17 STATE

Fall Sports STATE CHAMPIONS GHSA 6A Football Valdosta High School

GISA 3A Boys Cross Country Deerfield-Windsor

Winter Sports STATE CHAMPIONS GISA 3A Girls Swimming & Diving Perin Hancock, Dorian Usry, Kirsten Murphy, Anna Johnson - Deerfield-Windsor

GHSA 6A 285 Wrestling James Monteiro -Lee County

GHSA 7A Boys Basketball Tift County High School

AHSAA 7A 152 Wrestling Tony Morales - Central High School

1A-Public Girls Basketball Pelham High School GHSA 4A Girls Basketball Columbus High School GHSA 1A 106 Wrestling Wright Walker - Irwin County GHSA 6A 106 Wrestling John Watts - Coffee County GHSA 6A 132 Wrestling DaShawn Farber - Northside

62 | itgsportsnetwork.com

GHSA 7A 160 Wrestling Dalton Burks - Tift County

GHSA 2A 138 Wrestling Elijah McKnickles - Spencer High School GHSA 2A 106 Wrestling Dylan Farmer - Crisp Academy AISA 3A Girls Basketball Glenwood School AISA 3A Boys Basketball Glenwood School

CHAMPIONS

Spring Sports STATE CHAMPIONS 1A-Public Boys Tennis Irwin County

GHSA 6A Shot Put Track & Field Akileis Leroy - Lee County

GISA AA Boys Tennis Brock Allen & Cameron Godwin Westwood School

GISA 3A 200m Track & Field Mark Henderson - Valwood

GISA 3A Boys Tennis Andrew Cooper & Bradley Merschman - Brookwood 1A-Private Girls Tennis Brookstone School AISA 3A Softball Glenwood School AISA 3A Baseball Glenwood School GISA 2A Boys Golfs Terrell Academy GHSA 4A Boys Golf Columbus High School GHSA 4A Girls Golf Columbus High School GISA 2ATriple JumpTrack & Field William Chambless - Terrell

GISA 3A Triple Jump Track & Field John Jacobs - Deerfield-Windsor GISA 3A Shot Put Track & Field John Collier Logan - Deerfield-Windsor

GHSA 7A 3200m Track & Field Elizabeth Funderburk - Colquitt County

GHSA 3A Hurdles Track & Field Jourdan Bell - Monroe

GISA 2A 100m & Triple Jump Track & Field Javen Wimberly - Terrell GISA 2A Discus Track & Field Karlie Joness - Westwood

GHSA 1A Discus & Shot PutTrack & Field Malik Mango - Pelham

GISA 3A Hurdles Track & Field Marlee Marlow - Tiftarea

GHSA 3A High Jump Track & Field Brandon Doe - Cook

GHSA 3A High JumpTrack & Field Lila Lanier - Deerfield-Windsor

GHSA 3A 400m Track & Field J’Milya Poole - Monroe

GHSA 3A Pole Vault Track & Field Sarah Cox - Deerfield-Windsor

GHSA 1A 400m Track & Field Ontaria Wilson - Turner Co

GHSA 1A Shot Put Track & Field Kenjanai Brown - Pelham

GHSA 1A 200m Track & Field Ziare Andrews - Irwin County GHSA 1A Hurdles Track & Field

Trendarius Henderson - Turner Co

GHSA 3A Long Jump, 100m, & 200m Track & Field Jaeda Hunt - Monroe GHSA 1A 800m Track & Field Cassius Allen - Pelham

In The Game | 63

1

#

64 | itgsportsnetwork.com

graphic

#

2

graphic

No Strikeouts, On or Off the Field

Written by: Hillary Griffin Photography by: Brittany K. Wyche

Scholar-Athlete presented by

Taylor Peebles Scholar Athlete

66 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Being dedicated, motivated, and focused in high school can be all but easy. You have academics, extracurricular activities, cliques, and just trying to find your way. For some, high school can be their biggest nightmare thus far, but for students like Taylor Peebles, high school is a place where memories are created and goals are accomplished.

For the 16-year-old Houston County High School junior, staying disciplined in the classroom and on the softball field has proven possible. When Peebles was 5, her parents placed her in softball, and she continued playing throughout her high school career.

Peebles also participates in Kappa Alpha Zeta, a high school civic sorority for some of the local high schools that allows students to get involved in community service projects. KAZ meets weekly to plan its events. Peebles excels on the softball field and in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Academics are important to Peebles and her parents.

“I want to go to a

proud,” Peebles said.

Days get hectic, but Peebles employs a strategy for success.

“It is a lot of time management, prioritizing, and making sure that everything that needs to gets done, gets done first before you can go do anything else fun,” Peebles said.

She knows that to get into a great college she has to possess the necessary grades, and she does not want her grades to limit her school choices. She said school can sometimes be tiring, but she enjoys getting to talk and see all of her friends. After high school she wants to go to college, but at this point in time she does not know where or what she wants to major in.

“I do not really know what I want to be when I grow up, but I do know that I would want a family in the future because I am very family oriented,” Peebles said.

Peebles is the second

“Pitching is my favorite position because it is like you are in charge of the game.”

— Taylor Peebles good college, so grades are very important, and in the end I want to make my family, friends, coaches, and teammates

GPA

4.0

baseman and pitcher for the Houston County High School softball team.

“Pitching is my favorite position because it is like you are in charge of the game,” Peebles said.

To the surprise of many, Peebles does not plan on continuing her softball career in college.

“I’ve spoken to many people about this decision, and I just do not want to regret or miss out not playing in college,” Peebles said.

She loves the game of softball and playing it, but she aspires to go to a larger college such as the University of Georgia

(her top pick as of now) or Georgia Southern University, and only small colleges have looked at her for softball opportunities.

She realized that with her grades she is able to go to a larger university, and she is willing to give up softball after she graduates high school.

Throughout her high school career, Peebles has accomplished a lot academically and athletically. According to Peebles, one of her greatest academic accomplishments thus far has been making the top five percent in her graduating class this year.

“Receiving top five percent in my class made me feel really accomplished, and I felt like my hard work was paying off,” Peebles said.

In softball her greatest accomplishment was when she and her team came in second in state RANK

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

68 | itgsportsnetwork.com

SCHOOL

Minnesota Florida Oregon Florida State Arizona Oklahoma Washington Auburn UCLA Tennessee

POINTS

767 758 739 700 689 638 593 566 560 504

RECORD

54-3 50-6 47-6 51-6-1 48-7 50-8 43-11 46-10 42-13 44-10

this year. She said when her softball team received second in state it was kind of a bitter sweet feeling.

“State was an amazing experience, and we had a lot of fun,” Peebles said.

Her team was proud to receive second; however, in that moment they really just wanted to win.

“Losing that championship game definitely

pushes us to work harder, hoping that this year we could win it, but I am super excited about this upcoming softball season, and seeing where our team ends up,” Peebles said.

Peebles is ready to take on her last year in high school and see what lies ahead for her future college career.

Glenwood School Takes 2 State Titles in Basketball Written by: Beth Welch Photography Courtesy of Glenwood School

It’s not often a school wins a state title in a sport three out of four years in a row. In February, Glenwood School’s girls basketball team picked up their third Alabama Independent School Association state championship title since 2014. The moment to remember was only bettered by the boys basketball team winning the state title, too.

Dusty Perdue is the head basketball coach for the Gators boys team.

Now in his 12th year at the school and 10th as head coach for the program, Perdue coached three teams to the state championship finals that

came away winners. His last team to win a title in basketball was in 2013.

Prior to that, the Glenwood boys team brought home the state title with Perdue as coach back in 2007.

According to the boys basketball coach, all three championship teams had what it took to win, but each was different.

“The ‘07 team had the talent, the ‘13 team had the chemistry, and this year’s team had Trip Day and others who accepted their role on the team,” Perdue said.

Day, one of three starting seniors, scored 30 of the Gators’ 50 points

against Tuscaloosa Academy in the championship game. Brandon Mosely and James Beck were also outstanding in helping the team reach the winner’s circle. All three

seniors have played basketball at Glenwood since the seventh grade and were members of two state champ junior varsity teams.

“It really helps when they come up together like that,” Perdue said. “It’s almost like brothers. They know each other so well, and it shows when they play.”

Going into the 201617 season, Perdue said he had an idea his team had the potential to go all the way to the finals.

During recent years the Gators have made it to the semi-finals but no further.

“I thought we had a chance,” Perdue said. “We had to get over the hump. We made it that far before but got beat

in the Final Four.

When we got over that hump, I told the team, ‘You can win this and get the title.’”

Perdue’s team finished the season 24-3.

He knows the loss of his three starting seniors will affect next year’s team, but he isn’t as negative as some coaches might be in the same situation.

“It’s a young bench,” Perdue said. “That’s for sure, but if those guys will step up and accept their roles on the team, we will be ok.”

The Glenwood girls team added their latest state title to the two already won under the coaching of Julie Humphries when they defeated school rival Lee-Scott 56-43. It was the fourth

In The Game | 69

time the Lady Gators faced Lee-Scott this season.

“I was a little nervous about playing them the fourth time,” Humphries said. “We had beaten them each time before, but I was concerned about playing the same team so many times. The Springwood game was so close with us winning at the buzzer, but I was more worried about LeeScott for that reason.”

The girls head basketball coach and assistant athletic director has been coaching at Glenwood for 11 seasons, eight as head coach. Like Perdue, Humphries sees differences in the three championship teams she coached.

Her first title win was in 2014, and the Lady Gators picked up another in 2015. Those two teams were talented, according to Humphries, but this year’s team just had something a little different.

“ Ch em i st r y , ” Humphries said. “I knew it was going to be a good year, but these girls are really close on and off

GAME 3 118

39

113

29 19

28

4TH

22

29

2ND

48.2

48.5

33

3RD

18

44 12

44.4 27.3

70 | itgsportsnetwork.com

The two seniors who joined the girls basketball team for the 2017 season were Quan Holten and Dajia Jones. Both were starters and came into an already established program to contribute enough to help lead the way to a state title and a 28-1 season. The only loss was to Heritage in Newnan and came right on the heels of an injury to Holten.

Like the boys team, the Lady Gators will lose three senior starters in Holten, Jones, and Audrey Crowe. It’s a little early for Humphries to talk about next year, but Glenwood has seven state girls basketball titles in its history, so it’s always a part of the plan.

“We’ll have two seniors on the ‘18 team,” Humphries said. “Those girls coming up are good.

It could be a good year.”

Glenwood School has a tradition of producing outstanding athletic teams. According to boys basketball coach Dusty Perdue, Glenwood attracts good athletes because it’s a small school and sometimes athletes want a chance to play on a team that they wouldn’t get at a larger school.

32

1st

the court. We had two new players join us, and they just fit right in. These girls, I don’t know how else to say it.

They just gelled.”

“It’s also a family atmosphere,” Perdue said. “Small school, everybody knows everybody. And, you know, winning attracts kids. They hear about programs that are winning, and they want to be a part of that.”

Julie Humphries, head girls basketball coach, agreed with Perdue.

37

“Winning breeds winning,” Humphries said. “Athletic programs as a whole are very good here. That is mainly because of Tim Fanning (athletic director). He does a good job of helping us all remember we are serving a purpose bigger than a sport.”

One Down and One to Go Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

LLast year when Central High School sophomore wrestler Tony Morales won the

7-A state wrestling title for the 152-pound division, he told In the Game he wanted to win two more. On Feb. 18, Morales succeeded in his attempt to win another AHSAA state championship

One down, one to go.

Morales, now a junior and 17 years old, captured his second consecutive title in a match against Huntsville’s Houston Curtis. It was the stuff movies are made about: A dedicated athlete overcomes obstacles to come out on top.

The first snag came right at the beginning of the season due to Morales missing his preferred weight class.

“I had to start the season off at 160 because I missed my descent by a few pounds, so I had to wait a few weeks,” Morales said. “That took me a few weeks to get back down to 152.”

On the heels of working to get down to the 152-pound division, Morales discovered he had a staph infection on his left thigh. A recovery plan that included a minor medical procedure and strong antibiotics kept the wrestler off the mat for a couple of weeks. During this break, Morales missed numerous matches.

Once healthy, Morales attended a quad-match at Hoover High School in Birmingham. In addition to Central, three other schools participated: Hoover, Tuscaloosa County, and Huntsville. Morales did well against wrestlers from Hoover and Tuscaloosa County. The Huntsville match paired the Central wrestler against Houston Curtis.

Name 1. Collen Guffey 2. Daniel Max Magayna 3. Koy Hopke 4. Harvey Ludington IV 5. Angelo Ferrari 6. Andrew Barbosa 7. Navarro Schunke 8. Haakon Peterson

“I lost to him by one point, and during the match I got a high-ankle sprain,” Morales said.

The result of that injury put Morales’s left foot in a ‘boot.’ He initially got around with the aid of crutches, but eventually he began rehab. Six weeks of rest, physical therapy, and sheer determination found Morales back in good enough form to wrestle.

During his recovery, Morales said he concentrated on his upper body strength while also working out with one of his coaches. He credited his morale and ability to overcome the setback of the injury in time to compete to two things: his faith and the support of his parents.

“It was prayer,” Morales said. “It was my belief that God had a purpose for me. My dad and my mother, me, we all prayed, and it was so hard to watch practices but not be able to get on the mat. It was really hard to watch the matches and see the winners, but it turned out good.”

Another part of the story that makes for a good movie: Morales’s head wrestling coach at Central is his father, Rob Morales. The father and son have a close relationship enhanced by wrestling. Balancing the roles of father/son and coach/ athlete are difficult at times, but the two Morales men found, for the most part, a way to make it work.

When the Central wrestler made his comeback, he won his sectional matches and earned a spot as the No. 1 seed for the state tournament from the South Region. A script writer could have written what happened next when Morales wound up facing Huntsville’s Curtis for the title match.

In preparation for that title match, Morales trained

Updated 4/15/17 Team State Events Ranking USA Wrestling Future Olympians Ranking 87.50 9. Mack Mauger 4 87.00 4 ID CA Idaho Poway Elite 87.50 10. Kale Peterson 2 86.94 2 IA Sebolt Wrestling Academy IA IAWC 87.50 11. Vince Bouzakis Team Greco 2 86.56 2 FL WI Amery Warriors 87.50 12. Cayaen Smith 2 86.00 2 UT NV Team Prestige Nevada 87.50 13. Daschie Lamer Orange Crush 2 85.62 2 OR TX Best Trained Wrestling 87.50 14. Nicholas Fox 2 85.06 2 IA CA Elite Takedown Club CVBJJ 87.50 15. Zach Hanson 2 MN 2 84.50 SD Lakeville Legends of Gold 87.50 16. Joel Adams 2 84.12 2 NE Nebraska Boyz Sebolt Wrestling Academy WI

In The Game | 71

SCOPE

of Wreslting Participation

and prepared mentally and physically for a six-minute match. He learned upon his return to wrestling after a long absence that all the work he did prior to his injury and during his rehabilitation paid off. The junior felt strong and was hungry for the match-up. The Friday night before the rematch with Curtis, Morales said he went to sleep with his heart racing, knowing he needed to put in six minutes of work on the mat.

The day of the title

match found Morales feeling confident in his ability to perform well. As is his usual pre-game custom, Morales fashioned a cross from medical tape and placed it on his right ear protector. On the cross he wrote “Luke 6:35.” During a break in the match, Morales noticed Huntsville’s coach go to the table to talk with the referee.

Apparently, the medical tape cross came loose and the opposing coach complained that it was illegal. Morales was told to

72 | itgsportsnetwork.com

remove the tape.

What transpired next is something even a movie writer couldn’t script.

Morales’s father, acting in his role as coach, walked over to his son and took the cross.

“One of the things my friends love to make fun about is that when he grabbed it, he looked at it and kind of straightened it out and he put it on his chest, hit it right there on his suit coat,” Morales said, laughing.

When coach Morales was asked about the incident, he just shook his head.

“It was such a petty thing,” coach Morales said. “It was an attempt by the coach to get this kid off his stride.”

If that was indeed the case, it didn’t work. Morales roared back more determined than ever to win and defeated the Huntsville wrestler with a pin to take the title and win his second championship in two years. Six minutes wasn’t needed either. It only took about half that time, a feel-good movie ending all the way around.

When the 2017-18 wrestling season rolls around, neither father nor son – or rather, neither coach nor athlete – have a different game plan from what has already worked not once but twice.

“Not changing a thing,” coach Morales said.

Looking at his dad, the younger Morales agreed.

“Going to win sectionals and then another state title.

That’s my goal,” he says.

Scholastic wrestling ranks No. 6 of all boys sports in terms of participation at the high school level with over 272,000 nation wide.

Wrestling currently has its highest participation rates since 1980.

Since 2002-03, the number of high school wrestlers has grown by over 30,000.

Over 10,400 schools sponsor wrestling, which is the largest number ever.

GROWTH of

Female Wrestler

Participation Since 1994, the number of women who wrestle in high school nationwide has grown from 804 to over 8000.

Twenty-two colleges now sponsor a varsity women’s wrestling program.

Women’s wrestling is now a recognized Olympic sport.

Texas, Hawaii, and Washington sponsor a state high school girls wrestling championship Females account for 2.9 Percent of high school wrestlers nationwide.

• JUNE 2009 • $4.00

SOUTH GEORGIA EDITION

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Player Spotlights D.J. Johnson Kaleb Cowart

D.J. Johnson Player Spotlight June 2009

Cook High

coach’s corner

Linda Berl

Colquitt County

Academic Athlete

Carter Karras Valwood School

rising star

Dowling Armstrong

Ga Christian School

Also Inside: Coach Dan Henderson Retires From Fitzgerald High

www.InTheGameMagazine.com

Giving Back to Baseball: Johnson Returns to Adel to Lead Future Hornets Written by: Cole Parker Photography courtesy of Top Guns Academy At the turn of this decade, there wasn’t a team in Georgia that wanted to face the Cook High School Hornets.

The Cook High co-stars of Kaleb Cowart and D.J. Johnson wreaked havoc upon their competition in every phase of the game, proving to be one of the most dominant duos that South Georgia has ever seen.

Both stars were drafted into the MLB straight out of high school, and Cowart immediately signed on with the Anaheim Angels as the 18th overall pick. Johnson declined his 21st round offer to sign with the New York Mets in order to play college ball at the University of Mercer.

While Cowart battles to find his place in the Majors, Johnson took his talent and love for the game in a different direction: coaching back in his hometown of Adel, Georgia.

Drawing upon his four years of starting experience as a second baseman and pitcher at Mercer, Johnson felt that returning home was the best path to pursue his love for baseball.

“I knew that this would be the best place that I could get a teaching and coaching job, but it was also important to me that knew most of the kids,” Johnson said. “They watched me play baseball when I was in high school, so I wanted to come back and give back to these kids.

I knew that helping them out would mean a lot to them because they looked up to me, and I wanted to help them get to the level that I was at and beyond.”

As a hometown hero who knew what it took to play ball at the next level, Johnson’s experience and insight were immediately welcomed. He found, however, that playing and coaching are two different things.

“Coaching is definitely more difficult than playing because I can’t do it for them,” Johnson said. “I never really saw the amount of stuff that coaches have to deal with, on and off the field; I developed a new respect for coaches, for sure.”

As a coach at Cook Middle School, Johnson elevated the Hornets to an unprecedented level. After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in 2016, the 2017 Hornets made it all the way to the championship game, losing by one run in the final inning to Pine Grove Middle School.

Not only does he coach at the middle school and aspire to coach at the high school in a few short years, but Johnson also coaches the 10-year-olds at Top Guns Academy, a local travel baseball team in Adel. The team travels across South Georgia to compete nearly every weekend during the school year, and now that it is sum-

“Coaching is definitely more difficult than playing because I can’t do it for them,” Johnson said. mer, the team will expand their geographic reach as well. The travel ball program, which has existed since the time that Johnson first graduated, is now building on its success and benefitting from the physical, mental, and arm health expertise of Johnson.

Through both programs, Johnson simply wants to coach his players toward their goals.

“I am just trying to teach these kids what they need to know in order to get to the next level, whatever that is: middle school, high school,

or beyond,” Johnson said. “I want to help them have an edge, so I teach them the things that I know they will need to compete at their next level.”

Having endured the expectations of excellence in high school, the rigors of being a collegiate student-athlete, and the unfortunate arm troubles late in his career, he hopes to share his wisdom from these experiences with his young players.

“I try to teach my players to just grind it out,” Johnson said. “Life’s tough. Not every-

thing is going to go your way out on the baseball field or off of the baseball field, so always be a step ahead.”

While his playing days may be over, D.J. Johnson has not left the game of baseball, nor does he plan to any time soon. Instead of pursuing his own career as a pro, he returned to where it all began for him and now channels his love for the game into investing into the next generation of players.

In The Game | 73

State Title Winner Used Defeat as Motivation Written by: Beth Welch Photography by: George McDuffie

I

t wasn’t Elijah McKnickles’ finest moment.

“I went to area; I got put out at area,” McKnickles said. “I was the only one on the team that didn’t go to sectionals, and it destroyed me. I went outside after I lost, laid in the street, and cried. I laid in the street and cried for about 15 minutes. I went back inside and watched

all my teammates get medals.”

The recent Spencer High School grad is referring to his sophomore year on the school’s wrestling team, and the turn of events devastated him.

Fortunately, the young athlete used the experience to motivate him.

In February, the 18-year-old senior captured the state Class

2A wrestling title in the 138-pound weight division. He was the only Columbus wrestler to win the top spot in the sport.

According to McKnickles, he got into wrestling in middle school because his older brother, Isaiah, was a wrestler. When asked if he chose to participate in wrestling to be like his brother, McKnickles had a reply typical of a sibling rivalry

“No, I wanted to be better than him at s o m e t h i n g,” McKnickles said, laughing. “Just one thing. I was looking for one thing I could do better than him,” His first year of wrestling with a youth league was disappointing. McKnickles admitted he didn’t win a single match. While that might have deterred other youngsters from pursuing the sport, McKnickles said he hates losing and was determined to improve.

The son of military personnel, McKnickles was new to the area in middle school and did a little investigating about wrestling programs at local high schools. He chose to attend Spencer because he heard good

things about coach Robert Sanders and his Greenwaves wrestling teams.

His freshman year, McKnickles went to state as an alternate. He worked himself into the spot by doing well at matches and being flexible to fill in wherever Sanders directed him. At one point, McKnickles was told a slot was open in the 120-pound weight class if he felt he could get down to that weight.

“So, I did what Chief said,” McKnickles said, smiling broadly. “I cut down to that weight. It wasn’t easy because I was a chunky little boy.”

Building on the success of his freshman season, McKnickles went into the next year hopeful about his future as a wrestler. When the experience at area occurred, McKnickles could have quit. Instead, he worked with his coaches to become better, vowing never to feel like that again.

As a junior, McKnickles moved up to the 138-weight class after initialing starting at the 130-weight division.

He made the move at the request of his team captain, who wanted to be in the 130 slot and needed McKnickles to change his weight class to get there.

With such a desire to come out on top, the determined wrestler asked his parents to allow him to attend wrestling camps the summer before his senior year. He went to camps at Oglethorpe University and Kent State, where he picked up technical details to use in his senior season.

When McKnickles made it to the state finals this winter, he faced Christian Grauberger of Dodge County. It marked the fourth match between the two. Grauberger defeated McKnickles at sectionals by only two points. With his coach’s help, McKnickles studied film of that match to discover what errors he might have made. Those corrections made a difference when the two went to the mat for the state title. The Spencer wrestler came out on top with a 16-11 score over his Dodge County opponent.

Following his win, McKnickles was so excited he rushed off the floor to reach coaches, family, and friends only to be stopped by a referee who reminded the exuberant victor he had to shake hands with his opponent.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK 819 E. Shotwell St. P.O. Box 10 Bainbridge, GA 39818

Phone: 229-246-3131 www.fnbdc.com

Be In The Game

“I did that and then I just screamed,” McKnickles said. “It was just this high octave pitch scream that probably only dogs could hear at some point. I was beyond happy.”

Eventually, he reached Sanders, who enveloped the champ in a crushing bear hug before McKnickles made his way to the stands to celebrate with family and friends. It was, so far, the best moment of his life.

At the time of his interview, the talented wrestler, who possesses an engaging personality, had not committed to any school for the fall. Tilting his head and smiling, McKnickles said interest in him went up dramatically because of his state title, and he was waiting for the best offer.

As for his brother and the desire to be better than him at something, the state champ says it’s all good.

“He looked at me and said, ‘You one upped me,’” says McKnickles, laughing.

Robert Sanders’s wrestling program at Spencer is known for its’ intensity as well as his passion for the sport. The Greenwaves have had more than one state champ under Sanders’ coaching. Participants know Sanders is disciplined and expects the same from his wrestlers.

McKnickles says he would not have made it to be a state champ if it were not for Sanders and the Spencer program.

“The way we train, when we leave the room, the walls are sweating,” says the new state champ.

order Today inthegamesportsnetwork.com/apparel

Inspirational Story Tyler Simon and Malik Spratling

Baseball

“

“

Born Br

Malik has one of the best arms in the country, I’d say. And his bat, he can hit the ball like 400 feet.

76 | itgsportsnetwork.com

-Simon

Tyler Simon and Malik Spratling are a powerhouse duo on the Lee County High School baseball team.

With his advanced understanding of the game and dependability on the field, Simon is a monumental leader for the Trojans whether on the mound or at short stop.

Spratling, pitcher and right fielder, has a striking natural ability on the field, and he is, simply put, physically gifted as a baseball player. Combined, these two boys pushed a great improvement for the Trojans baseball program, created an everlasting friendship, and found family in one another.

When the boys were in the sixth grade, they met each other head-to-head in a tournament. Simon found

96.2

%

Fielding Avg.

rothers

Written by: Sarah Turner Photography by: Emmanuel Magbanua

passion in baseball around the time he could walk, but Malik was just discovering his love of baseball. One thing lead to another, and Simon’s team invited Spratling to come on board with theirs. Spratling, looking for anyway to find improvement as a baseball player, agreed.

The very next summer, the two were teammates; however, Spratling was still living in Alabama. He stayed with Simon’s family often for convenience until one day he was invited to stay permanently.

“His mom asked me if I wanted to live with them,” Spratling said. “At first I thought she was

playing, but then I realized she was serious, but of course I had to go back and talk to my parents about it to see if they were okay with it. It took about a week, but they agreed to it. Ever since then we’ve been practicing every day, working hard at it.”

Both Simon and Spratling gained one of the most important things they will ever find in their lives that day. Yes, a new teammate, now even in school programs, but also a friendship and brotherhood.

“We adopted him in the seventh grade,” Simon said. “It was different at first, then we bond-

In The Game | 77

“

To me he’s an allaround player. His defense is good, his offence is good, his character good.

Draft Picks Who Reach The

1 pick

st

66%

49%

32%

1st Round

2nd Round

3-5 Round

2

nd

pick

“

-spratling

ed. Blood couldn’t make us closer now. He’s like my real brother. We’re best friends.”

As you can imagine, for the past six years, the household has been more baseball oriented than ever. So, how are these two boys doing on the field today you might ask?

“Tyler is the ultimate gamer,” Brandon Brock, head coach, said. “He’s one of those guys, if you had nine of them, I don’t think you’d ever lose. He’s the guy most of our other guys follow. He will play this game for as long as he wants to.”

Simon recently signed a scholarship to play at the next level at Kennesaw State University. His goal is to become a starter as soon as possible and eventually get drafted. However, he has an equally impressive back up plan to go into the dental field and become an orthodontist if baseball doesn’t work out.

“As for Malik, and as far as athletic tools go, in my 20 years of coaching, he is probably the most physically gifted kid I’ve ever coached. He’s got every tool. The only difference between him and Tyler is that Malik just has to learn the game a little better.”

After graduation, Spratling will head to Florida Gulf Coast University to continue his education and baseball career.

“I just really love the sport of baseball,” Spratling said. “There’s nothing else I would really rather be doing.”

At the time of this writing, Simon and Spratling just finished up the regular baseball season and are heading into the playoff games. No matter the outcome, these two have improved each other’s lives, and they have made a huge impact on the LCHS baseball team.

3

rd

pick

4

th

pick

5 pick

th

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 Selvester / 601 N. Main St. Selvester, 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

H

ear the crack of the bat and feel the crowds in the stadium cheering for the Westfield Hornets. Peanuts, hotdogs, warm summer days, take me out to the ballgame!

“I love baseball”, Cole Brannen said. “It’s in my blood, along with some good genes.”

Brannen said his speed and playing abilities are completely God-given, but he has also been extremely blessed to have some fine men invest their time and knowledge to shape him into the player and man he is today.

Cole Minor Brannen is a senior at Westfield School located in Perry, Georgia, and will graduate this year. He is the son of Jarrod and Leanne Brannen and the oldest of five children. Brannen is a center fielder for the the Chain Baseball 17U National Team. He verbally committed to Georgia Southern University in January 2015 and signed in November 2016.

Brannen credited coach Andy Burress for moving him from short stop to center field so that Brannen could better utilize his gift of speed.

Brannen played short stop from the time he was 3 until his sophomore year. Burress is the owner of Five Star Baseball in Warner Robins, Georgia, which Brannen is a member of.

Cole Brannen

At Full Burress and Brannen are cut from the same cloth in that they both love to win but hate losing more. They said they have a mutual love and respect for each other, and Burress knows that he will always get Brannen’s best when he steps on the field as a leader and player. Brannen said he has loved every minute of playing center field and has never looked back on his short stop years.

“My high baseball IQ is the sum of all the years at short stop, and now I see the entire game and know where the plays need to be made on the entire field that others may not see,” Brannen said.

Brannen also attributed his success to his high school coach Rob Fitzpatrick, who has been Brannen’s coach for all his years in high school.

Fitzpatrick said he saw the abilities and potential in a lanky eighth-grader and started Brannen on the varsity team as a short stop in an infield of all juniors and seniors and as a drag bunter that Fitzpatrick could count on to get on base and steal his way around the bases. Fitzpatrick and Brannen were scrutinized because Brannen was the youngest to be played on the team.

The playing experience Brannen gained that year catapulted his abilities, which was noticed by coaches and scouts who watched him on the tournament and showcase circuit in the summers

Written by: Julie Anne Patrick Photography by: Brittany K. Wyche

“I see the entire game and know where the plays need to be made on the entire field that others may not see."

Cole Brannen

l Speed

In The Game | 81

before and after his freshmen year, and resulted in Georgia Southern offering him a scholarship. Brannen is determined and excited to be moving into the second round of state playoffs this week.

“I am completely locked-in on winning a state championship for coach Rob Fitzpatrick since I am a senior and so proud to be playing my last season with my two younger brothers on the team,” Brannen said.

Brannen has also worked with Ryan Klesko, former major league player for the Atlanta Braves. Brannen’s family has known Klesko for over 20 years. Klesko has a busy schedule with his own family and hunting show, but he finds time to invest in Brannen by helping him refine his tools and giving him “major league advice and guidance” about the ways to reach his career goals in baseball.

Brannen was quick to say that his first and favorite coach was his Dad. “He’s the one that got me started after all,” Brannen said.

Brannen has loved baseball all his life, and he’s worked hard to be the best he can be.

“Without the help of my dad in my formative years, I would have never known the love of baseball,” Bran-

nen said. “My dad and I spent countless hours batting and catching. If it wasn’t for all the back yard catch and throw, practice batting sessions, and years coaching my little league teams, I would have never have been the player I am today.”

Brannen sticks to a healthy diet. He eats “absolutely no fast food,” lots of protein, and gallons and gallons of water.

He admitted that he does enjoy going out for Italian, grilling steaks at home, and eating his mom’s homemade chicken and dumplings.

Brannen has two Labradors, two Blue Healers, and 11 chickens.

“We eat a lot of eggs,” Brannen said, laughing.

As for entertainment in the little town of Elko, Georgia, where his family resides, Brannen said he has all he needs at home with his four siblings to hanging out with, cookouts, and lots of family fun activities.

Brannen said that in his life, there is no offseason between professional workouts, hunting, fishing, and helping out with his family’s business, Brannen Outfitters.

“My plate is full,” Brannen said.

“I can tell you Cole has always been like the little four-point buck that thinks he is a big ten-pointer, but never has seen his reflection in the pond,” Brannen’s mom said. “If he thinks he can do something, he does it, and he makes it look very easy.”

6.18 6.18

Bar-Bats left and throws right. Earned his Varsity letter as an eighth grader. 2016 Under Armour All-American and Perfect Game Nike All-American. Plays for Five Star Baseball (Formerly Chain Baseball in Warner Robins, Georgia. Measured

seconds

by laser in the Perfect Game National Showcase in Ft. Myers Florida. Ten-yard split by laser at

1.37 1.37

seconds

vertical-33' home to first less than four seconds. Finished Freshman high school season with .398 batting average. Perfect Game WWBA National Championship (Lake Point-Emerson, GA). Perfect Game 15U BCS Finals (Ft. Myers, FL) -Named to All Tournament Team. Chosen as a member of USA Baseball 2014 Mid Atlantic Team where he played in Cary, North Carolina, in the National Team Identification Series. Chosen from hundreds of players for one of 14 roster spots for USA Baseball 17U National Team Development Program which supplies the USA Baseball 18U National Team. Broke the USA Baseball 30yard Dash record at the event. In August 2015, traveled to California for the week long event to train and play with the USA Baseball’s 17U Team against the USA 18U team and other college teams.

HOME RUNS THIS SEASON

13

13

13

14

14

13

13

58

48

48

49

48

82 | itgsportsnetwork.com PROJECTED HOME RUNS

54

49

47

“

“

15

Ryan Aaron Khris Bryce Mike Freddie Scott Joey Judge Davis Schebler Harper Trout Freeman Zimmerman Gallo

My Dad and I spent countless hours batting and catching. If it wasn't for all the back yard catch and throw, practice batting sessions and years coaching my little league teams, I would have never have been the player I am today.

Cole Brannen

FIRST CLASS PROGRAM, FIRST PLACE TROPHIES: HOLLAND AND SENIORS CAPTURE SECOND STATE TITLE

Written by: Cole Parker Photography by: Kyle Sandy and Marque Milla Reese Every coach, player, and fan aspires to have a winning culture surrounding a sports program, yet so few grasp it and fully taste the fruits of it.

The Tift County High School basketball program,

as freshmen, but as the team grew into their team, they met adversity and fell short on the court in back-to-back seasons.

2015 ended in a firstround loss to Newton by the

“When you see us, you will think, ‘There’s no doubt that’s a winner,’” eighth-year head coach Eric Holland explained. “And to do that, we spend a lot of time developing men first and ball players second.” however, possesses a commanding influence and an unmistakable culture.

“When you see us, you will think, ‘There’s no doubt that’s a winner,’” Eric Holland, eighth-year head coach, said.

“And to do that, we spend a lot of time developing men first and ball players second.”

Behind the leadership of Holland and his core group of seniors, including Preston “P.J.” Horne, Micah Johnson, and Fred Lloyd, the 2016-17 Tift County Blue Devils won the state championship in the Georgia High School Association’s highest classification for the second time in four years.

Winning titles was not an altogether unfamiliar feeling for the Blue Devils, who earned their second state championship in program history in 2014. This central group of seniors each played their roles on that team, even

score of 52-49, a shocking defeat for the 27-1, No. 1 seed Blue Devils.

2016 ended in bitter disappointment for another talented Blue Devils squad.

In the Sweet 16 of the 2016 GHSA playoffs, a buzzer-beater by Milton filled the home locker room with tears of pain and disbelief.

But Coach Holland and his team went back to work just two short weeks after leaving that locker room, with hopes of redemption and vindication driving them as they prepared for the 201617 season.

But signing up to compete as a Blue Devil is no

casual commitment; if you want to play basketball under coach Holland at Tift County High School, you better come ready to work, not just on the court, but in every facet of life as a student-athlete and growing young man ready for the next phase of life.

“The first thing you’ve got to do as a high school coach, and you’ve got to understand, is college culture,” Holland said.

“You’ve got to know exactly what they are looking for, and you’ve

Where Fords and Lincolns Cost Less

got to make sure that you prepare your kids for that next step forward by creating a well-rounded athlete and person.”

For a program that doesn’t believe in an offseason but an “onseason,” the development of boys into men and proper basketball players is a year-long, all-encompassing process.

Off the court, Tift County players participate in self-imposed practices such as “Get Off the Court, Get in the Church”; “Dress for Success Monday’s”; eating breakfast together on the second and

fourth Saturdays of every month; mandatory 40 hours of community service over the course of the year; and “Fit Block,” also known as study hall, every day after school, falling under their mantra of “Books First, Ball Second.”

More directly related to their basketball skills, they push through two-a-day practices at 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. during the season. But more importantly, every player and coach is held accountable to their self-imposed 26-step A-B-C Program, basketball credit score, and earns a rigorous P.H.D: Passing, Hard Work, and Dedication.

Some may ask how all of this translates into W’s on the court, but for Holland and the Blue Devils, buying in to this holistic approach is exactly what it means to win games, win championships, and win in life.

explained.

“We’ve grown up together.

Being able to talk to each other about basketball and everything else, on and off the court, it just developed a bond like brothers.”

“Back when they were in middle school, I told that group, ‘Hey, y’all are going to win at least one or two state championships before y’all graduate,’” Holland said.

“They believed that. They all have a body of work that speaks on their passion and determination.”

The talented group led on and off the court, but Horne, Johnson, and Lloyd weren’t alone in their pursuit of a title. The three other seniors, Jay Johnson, Camden Collins, and Dawon Barnes, found ways to contribute alongside other quality minutes from the likes of juniors

“It is going to have a culture of winning. You’re going to say,

‘Winners live here.’”

“We always talk about winning culture, winning environment, so we basically changed everything in terms of everything being first class, from our uniforms, to the way we travel, to the way we dress, to the way we act… Everything about our program is going to be first class,” Holland said with faith.

“It is going to have a culture of winning. You’re going to say, ‘Winners live here.’”

With a clear culture and expectations at an all-time high from the insiders and outsiders of the program, the pressure could have easily crumpled the senior leadership, but they remained unfazed thanks to their testing experiences.

Forged in this crucible of comprehensive development was the trio of Horne, Johnson, and Lloyd. The power forward, point guard, and center, respectively, found support in each other as they sought to live up to expectations and achieve their goals.

“For me, Fred, and P.J., our bond was unbreakable,” Johnson

Rashod Bateman, Montavious Terrell, Chad Copeland, and Otis Jackson and sophomores Marquavious Johnson and Tyree Marshall.

“This group of guys, they do things the right way,” said Horne.

“Everything starts off in practice, in the game, in the offseason, in the locker room, in the classroom.

We always have to do the right thing.”

Consider that mission accomplished.

All these efforts translated into a final record for the season of 29-2 (5-1); the

Blue Devils dominated nearly every single challenger that stepped onto the floor with them and collectively outscored their opponents 2101-1460 over those 31 games. But the road was not easy; their playoff journey to the title took them consecutively through battles against the state’s and nation’s topranked programs in Marietta, No. 8 Berkmar, No. 3 Newton, No. 1 McEachern, and No. 4 Norcross to capture the title.

Each of these programs were loaded with Division I talent – hailing from the traditionally dominant metro-Atlanta schools that are prone to transferring in talent – yet the home–grown talent of South Georgia’s premier program conquered them all in the face of being heavily underestimated.

“We were always the underdogs,” Lloyd said. “We weren’t bigger than other teams, but our mindset and our heart made us to where we could make things possible this year.”

With heart predominantly powered by internal culture, there is no denying the relentless support of the surrounding community and what it meant to once again bring a title back down I-75 to Tifton, Georgia.

“Being a Blue Devil really comes from the fans, because if you listen to the fans, you know how much power is behind the name Blue Devil basketball,” Horne said. “All of our fans bleed blue; everything comes from Tift County basketball. So for you to lead your players, your teammates, and the fans to a state championship, it’s an unbelievable feeling.”

The 2016-17 season was a triumphant and resounding finish to a remarkable run for Tift County High School.

Amassing an overall record of 111-10, four consecutive

“We were always the underdogs,” Lloyd remembered.

“We weren’t bigger than other teams, but our mindset and our heart made us to where we could make things possible this year.”

SEASON LEADERS

N I T F O T

BASKETBALL

#

PLAYER

#

PLAYER

#

PLAYER

PTS

1 P. Horne (Sr) 2 M. Johnson (Sr) 3 F. Lloyd (Sr)

23.3 10.8 9.9 REB

1 P. Horne (Sr) 2 F. Lloyd (Sr) 3 M. Johnson (Sr)

7.7 6.6 3.6 AST

1 M. Johnson (Sr) 2 M. Terrell (Jr) 3 R. Bateman (Jr)

4.8 2.1 1.4

2017 GHSA BOYS STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 1st Round

65

W

44

Tift County

75

W

55

Marietta

Quarterfinals

Tift County

72

66

W

Tift County

56

Newton

2nd Round

W

Semi-Finals

Tift County

W

Berkmar

49

McEachern

State Championship

Tift County

55

Norcross

52

LEAVING A LEGACY: “The legacy I want to leave behind is just do the right thing, knowing that doing the right thing can make a difference in somebody’s life, and it can also lead you to a state championship.”

– Preston “P.J.” Horne, senior Power Forward, First Team All-State

“The legacy that I hope I leave at this school and through other players and through people that go to school here is that you don’t have to have a big name to be able to achieve high goals that people don’t expect you to do. It’s what you expect yourself to do. You don’t have to be the biggest thing ever, just be what’s set out for you. Your goals that you plan, make sure you accomplish them.”

– Micah Johnson, senior Point Guard, All-State Honorable Mention

“I want people to have the mindset of things not being impossible just because you are the underdog or because you are small. I want people to be able to reach their goals and always keep driving and pushing despite being underestimated.”

– Fred Lloyd, senior Center

region championships, and two state championships over the span of the past four years, the shoes couldn’t be any bigger to fill for future Blue Devils.

However, with a winning program with the engrained foundational concepts of proper prioritization, holistic development, and pervasive leadership, the next string of players and coaches are suited to fit within the same mold, even without their most successful class, and coach, in school history.

Because while P.J. Horne takes his talents to the highly competitive ACC by joining the Virginia Tech program, Micah Johnson hopes to make an early impact on the court at Alabama State University, and Fred Lloyd decides between the gridiron and the hardwood at the University of South Florida, coach Eric Holland has chosen to follow a path away from basketball altogether.

Having brought Tift County’s basketball program to the pinnacle of success, Holland will be stepping away from coaching as he has accepted the offer to become the Principal at Rome High School. Yet knowing how he always ran his basketball program and the schools in which he served as an administrator, he will certainly continue to bring the same culture of excellence to Rome, even without a court as his primary platform.

Under his leadership, Holland’s program won six Coach of the Year Awards on the state and national level, won eight consecutive region championships, had 20 wins in all eight of those seasons, made three Final Four appearances, won two state championships, and finished with an overall record of 203-34 (86 percent). His accomplishments as a coach are undeniable, but he knows that the impact beyond the court that he impressed upon his players will stand the test of time.

“It’s like I tell my guys all of the time: Your legacy is your leadership,” Holland said . “You want your legacy to be based on the leadership of our program.

At some point people will forget that you scored 1,500 points or 1,800 points, but those kids will never forget the leadership you left on the program, and that’s what those three seniors have done: They left a leadership of success and a leadership of doing things the right way.”

Replacing such talent and leadership is a heavy burden, but the true test of a culture and a legacy is found in life beyond basketball. The core four of Holland, Horne, Johnson, and Lloyd exit their Blue Devils careers as proud champions, and deservedly so, but more important is their profound influence on all those around them.

“We built a program of a winning culture here that has in my opinion that has about 20% of what happened on the basketball court, 80% of what happened off the court,” stated Holland.

“If we continue to do that 80% that we feel is very important, just like what our mission statement says, we develop men first and basketball players second, we are going to always be successful in basketball at Tift County High School.”

Little did I know when conducting this interview that this quote was a foreshadowing of the impending shift in career direction for Coach Eric Holland. With his eyes set firmly on the development of individuals beyond basketball, however, it all fits together perfectly within the tapestry of his life’s work.

“I hope you know, one day when I’m done coaching ball, that I’m not viewed as the guy that was the ‘basketball coach,’ or ‘won two or however many state titles we may or possibly are going to win,’ but I want to be viewed as the guy who did everything he could to help a child,” Holland expressed with resolute conviction. “That’s my motivation every day. I tell people all the time: coaching basketball is not my purpose, it’s my platform. I use my platform to serve my purpose of helping kids. Anytime there is an opportunity to grow a boy into a man and teach him responsibility, I’m all fired up about that.”

86 | itgsportsnetwork.com

SEASON

WINS 29 LOSES 2

Tift County

national avg

POINTS P/G 67.9 FG% 49 rebounds p/g 28.9 assists P/G 12.2 stealS P/G 7.5 blocks p/g 2.6

Opportunity Is Knocking.

Save on Kubota’s versatile BX Series sub-compact tractors.

0 % Financing for 84 Months* A.P.R.

$ PLUS

1,000**

Customer Instant Rebate

on the purchase of a new Kubota BX Series sub-compact tractor equipped with two new qualifying implements. TLB models qualify with the purchase of one new qualifying implement.

Offers end 6/30/17.

Perrin farm equipment 703 e 5th st, tifton, ga 31794 229-382-9821 *20% down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 84-months on purchases of select new Kubota BX Series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval.

Some exceptions apply. Example: 84 monthly payments of $11.90 per $1,000 financed. Offer expires 6/30/17. **Customer instant rebates of $1,000 are available on purchases of new Kubota BX (including BX25/BX25D/BX25D-1, BX23S) equipment with two new qualifying implements from participating dealers’ stock. 1st implement $300, 2nd implement $700. Some exceptions apply.

Offers expire 6/30/17. See us or go to www.KubotaUSA.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown.

KubotaUSA.com

© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2017

♦ Azalea’s Restaurant & Lounge ♦ Full Service Amenities ♦ Meeting & Reception Facilities ♦ First Class Accommodations ♦ 40” Flat Panel HD Televisions ♦ Family, Executive & Jacuzzi Suites ♦ Fitness Center & Business Center ♦ Hot Tub & Large Swimming Pool ♦ Complimentary Airport Shuttle

HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

I-75 (Exit 16) ♦ 1805 West Hill Avenue ♦ Valdosta, GA (229) 244-1111 (800) 465-4329 “Best Hotel and Meeting Place for Teams” www.WilliamsHotelGroup.com

Exit 16 229-249-8800 Valdosta

Exit 18 229-249-8900 Valdosta

Exit 18 229-244-7600 Valdosta

Exit 62 229-382-3300 Tifton

Exit 18 229-249-8880 Valdosta

Exit 16 229-244-1111 Valdosta

Exit 22 229-244-4460 Valdosta

Exit 62 229-382-8100 Tifton

Owned and operated by Williams Investment Company A proud part of South Georgia’s growth since 1963

Exit 16 229-249-8000 Valdosta

Exit 39 229-896-4574 Adel

Exit 18 Exit 62 229-382-8250 229-244-8440 Valdosta Tifton

Exit 62 229-382-8505 Tifton

Exit 16 229-249-1000 Valdosta

In The Game | 87

Which cool are you? new

Minute Maid® Slushie Medium Slushie

88 | itgsportsnetwork.com

© 2017 The Coca-Cola Company. “Minute Maid” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company © 2017 McDonald’s®