2B
SPORTS
The Paper | Thursday, August 7, 2014
East Jackson volleyball Lady Dragons are looking ready for new season to build a strong season GIRLS’ SOFTBALL
BY CHARLES PHELPS
cphelps@clickthepaper.com
The East Jackson Lady Eagles’ volleyball team hasn’t had much to cheer about the past few seasons. They posted a 4-27 record last season. Former head coach Tim Thomas retired and junior varsity coach Clarke Rainwater has now taken over the program. They also lost key player Reagan Robach to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury an estimated three weeks ago, Rainwater said. It’s unsure of her return, if at all. However, in a time that seems so blue, from Rainwater’s perspective, there are still goals to achieve. “As far as season goals, we just hope to be more competitive with everyone we play,” Rainwater explained. “(We hope to) beat someone we have not beaten in the past few years and get into the top four in area. “The best improvements are in the number of girls practicing and their cohesion so far.” Six seniors are on the squad, including four who have been with the program all four years: Kristina Ashe, Morgan Crawford, Reagan Robach (ACL injury) and Tori Packard are all the program’s veteran players. Senior Kaity Gardis is in her second year with the program and senior Kaylan Qualls is in her first year at East Jackson. Rainwater – who spent most of his career at Jackson County Comprehensive High School with basketball and softball – added that he has fallen in love with volleyball and the “great” students and faculty of East Jackson. “(I’m) very much excited (for my first year as head coach),” he stated. “Take away all the paperwork a head coach has to do and it would be super. “I love all of the girls who have been coming to practice. We have some great kids at East Jackson.” Ashe – whose been part of the program since she was in the eighth grade – said the squad has more girls that are “dedicated” this season than season’s past, and the dedication has led to more time for the girls to “click as a team.” “Being a senior, I have seen in years past (where) only five girls show up,” she explained. “This summer, however, I don’t think we have ever had less (than) 13, knowing that this group of girls are dedicated to being there to get better individually, and as a team, has me with high hopes for this season.” Rainwater added another goal he wants to see achieved this season – leadership – and Ashe looks to be one of those to achieve that. “I strive every practice and game to be seen as a role model for the rest of my team and have every year I have played,” Ashe said. “…Sir, for me, leadership is action, not position.” For schedule information, visit: volleyball.ejathletics.com.
BY CHARLES PHELPS
cphelps@clickthepaper.com
In his first year at the helm for Jefferson, Lady Dragons’ head softball coach Zach Black was able to guide his squad to a 24-11 record (13-3 in region play) and a second-round berth in the state playoffs against Bremen High School. Coming into his second season, Black says the expectations are the same as any season – make the playoffs. “I think when you go into any season, the ultimate goal is you want to go as far as you can,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to make the playoffs and once you get there, who knows what can happen from there. “The ultimate goal from probably every team in the state right now is to get to Columbus and play in the Elite 8 and have a shot to play for a state championship,” he continued. “That’s what we’re working towards, just putting ourselves in a good position to get there and see what happens, take it one day at a time and see where it takes us.” Also coming into his second year, Black said
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Continued from 1B She had been contemplating playing at schools such as Emory University, Mercer University, Lander University and more before choosing Coastal Georgia. “(I’m) extremely excited,” the elated senior said. “I had been (interested) in Coastal Georgia for a very long time and their previous coach used to be in contact with me until one day they just stopped. “So I figured they weren’t interested until the new head coach (Mike Minick) saw me play and said he really liked what he saw, kind of funny how things work out.” Husted added that she feels “more focused now” than ever heading into her senior season
everybody – from the coaching staff to the players – people are getting more “comfortable” with each other and the program, and this season, they all know what to expect from one another. “Overall, we had a good summer,” he said. “We used this summer to try and come closer as a team and work on our camaraderie. “I think the girls came a long way on that. They generally all get along with each other and they enjoy playing together, (so) hopefully that will translate into something. We will see.” He said the comfort level continues to grow. Black said he stressed on a “daily basis” this summer, the mental aspect of the game and wanting his team to learn how to fight through potential adversity that could rear its head during the season. “There’s going to be plenty of adversity faced throughout the season,” Black added. “How we handle that is going to be big.” Jefferson opens the season with three straight road games beginning Saturday at North Oconee High School. Their first home game is Aug.14 at 5:55 p.m. against Oconee County. with the Lady Dragons. “I love everything (about Coastal Georgia). They had all the programs of study I wanted and the coach is great and there’s so much I could go on about,” she continued. “And I was extremely excited when the coach and I talked on the phone and I was able to commit. I couldn’t really think about anything else at that moment. I felt relieved. I had committed and that’s a huge relief.” The Lady Mariners went 13-30 in 2014. The College of Coastal Georgia is part of the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC), which is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Other teams in the conference include Brenau University in Gainesville, Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon and Dalton State College in Dalton.
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What is it that inspires and keeps Stone continuing to ride and go beyond the limits of what many people experience? One answer – his “love” for the sport. “I don’t want to go a week without being on the bike at least a few times,” Stone said. He added that one of most fun things about riding is hitting the jumps. “There’s not a cooler feeling the world than hitting a 100-foot jump and just floating through the sky. Hitting jumps is awesome because every jump is so different,” he explained. “Some jumps are very short in distance but (it) gets you lots of hang time, while other jumps are really long but keep you really low to the ground.” For The Paper
Derek Stone of Braselton finds thrills in the world of Motocross racing.
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while battling for the lead leaving the top spot to Michael Mobley midway through the event. Eventually, Sosbee and Daniel worked their way back to the lead and settled the affair on the final lap with a fenderbanging finish. Sosbee took home the trophy and the $400 first-place money, while Mobley grabbed the runnerup spot. Jody Cash made his first 2014 GMP appearance a profitable one taking home third-place money. Rob Hubbard turned in a solid fourth-place effort while Daniel had to settle for fifth after his last-lap tangle with Sosbee. Billy Coker earned sixth and the hard-luck award for the evening when a mid-race crash relegated him to sixth in the Sportsman feature. Meanwhile, Gary Zajdek and Brian Sutton continued to provide some of the best racing at GMP this season battling for the win in the Front Wheel Drive Division.
The pair of four-cylinder drivers have been all but glued together this season and Saturday was no exception as they swapped the lead twice in the 25-lap FWD main before Zajdek gained the top hand at the finish. The sixth – and final main event on the GMP quartermile oval – saw veteran Renegade campaigner Mike Childers roar off to a big lead and never look back in beating Bryan Beckner, Chris Whitfield and Dave Beckner to the checkered flag in the 25-lap event. The final highlight of Saturday’s GMP ‘Stockerama’ program came on the halfmile oval as Lee Langford bested a solid field in the 30-lap Outlaw Late Model feature event. Langford, a long-time GMP veteran, earned the win thanks to a fast car and a steady hand besting Dennis Wilder, Russell Shore, David Murphy and 2014 GMP first-timer Hoyt Stephens. The Outlaw Late Models, Trucks, Legends, Bandos, FWD’s, Renegades, and Sportsman will be back
at GMP for another Stockerama on Saturday, Aug. 16. Next up at GMP will be the 31st annual World Crown 300 presented by Victory Junction. The green flag will fall on the Saturday, Aug. 9, with the opening of the GMP track gates at 8 a.m. Pit gates will open at 9:15 a.m. with World Crown 300 Super Late Model practice hitting the track from 12:15-2:45 p.m. to be followed by practice and qualifying in the Outlaw Late Model and Truck divisions. Pit passes for Saturday’s race are $35. Meanwhile, trackside parking will open at 1 p.m. while the GMP Main Grandstand will open at 4:30 p.m. Pole position qualifying will roll off at 5:30 p.m. Fans can meet all drivers during an all-division, on-track autograph session before opening ceremonies. At 7:30 p.m., the first race of this year’s World Crown 300 rolls off. Tickets prices for the day of the show are: Adult general admission – $30; Seniors/Military – $25; Stu-
Kevin Vassar in his No. 44 truck leads older brother Matt Vassar in his No. 69 truck during Saturday night’s Stockerama at Gresham Motorsports Park.
There’s not a cooler feeling the world than hitting a 100-foot jump and just floating through the sky. Derek Stone Motocross competitor
Doug Chellew The Paper
Kevin Vassar celebrates his win at Gresham Motorsports Park on Saturday night. Kevin topped older brother Matt Vassar for his first-ever GMP Pro Truck Division win. dents 13-17 – $20. For more information about GMP and the 31st annual World Crown 300, visit www.raceGMP.com. Meanwhile, to learn more about – or to donate to Victory Junction – log on to www.victoryjunction.org. About Gresham Motorsports Park Gresham Motorsports Park is located east of Atlanta, just off I-85 at Exit 140, in Jefferson. The sprawling motorsports and event complex – which underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2009 – features quarter-and half-mile paved racing ovals, a 4,000-seat main grandstand and state of the art electronic computer scoring, lighting and sound systems. You can follow GMP on Twitter @GreshamMP or on Facebook at Gresham Motorsports Park.
Doug Chellew The Paper
The furthest Stone has jumped is 115 feet, he says. “But, it really is one of the best feelings in the world,” he added. “Riding has changed my life in a huge way, (its) made me a lot tougher, for sure, but it’s definitely made me appreciate the family and friends who support me.” He adds if you are looking for a new thrill to try, “get a dirt bike.” “I promise, it’ll do the job,” he said. Stone’s next competition is Aug. 16-17 at MillCreek Motocross Park in Pell City, Ala.
Saturday, Aug. 2 Stockerama Official Results
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Bandit Bandoleros - 20 Laps Blake Cisneros Hunter Jarrett Nathan Jackson Clay Thompson Conner Younger Hunter Hutchens Xander Broadbent
Outlaw Bandoleros 20 Laps 1. Justin Taylor 2. Nick MacMillan 3. Hunter Jarrett 4. Henry Broadbent Jr. 5. Blake Cisneros 6. Dylan Rumboldt Legends - 25 Laps 1. Zach Leonhardi (SemiPro) 2. Jeff Holden (Young Lions) 3. R. S. Senter (Semi-Pro) 4. Cruise Caudell (Young Lions) 1. 2. 3. 4.
Sportsman - 25 Laps Brian Sosbee Michael Mobley Jody Cash Rob Hubbard
5. Jackie Daniel 6. Billy Coker Renegades - 25 Laps 1. Mike Childers 2. Bryan Beckner 3. Chris Whitfield 4. Dave Beckner FWD’s - 25 Laps 1. Gary Zajdek 2. Brian Sutton 3. Shaun Mize 4. Lance Partain Trucks - 30 Laps 1. Kevin Vassar 2. Matt Vassar 3. Rodney Benefield 4. Cody Haskins 5. Jami Weimer 6. Cecil Flowe
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Outlaw Late Models - 30 Laps Lee Langford Dennis Wilder Russell Shore David Murphy Hoyt Stephens Brian Hardman Shawn Simpson Jim Bennett