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Spartanburg’s Ernie Floyd (20) and Christ Church’s Jack Cottingham (6) in action earlier this season in a 10-9 Vikings lacrosse victory. PETE COCHRAN / SPORTSPLUSPHOTOS.COM
On the STICK Lacrosse balance of power shifts to Upstate
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NEWS & NOTES FROM THE LOCAL YOUTH SPORTS SCENE
Born a Rebel Brian Lane returns home to coach Byrnes
By JOHN CLAYTON On Twitter @JCTweetsOn
Byrnes’ nationwide search for a new football coach ended nearby with someone whose heart had never left the Duncan campus. Brian Lane, a quarterback under Bobby Bentley in the 1990s and most recently the head coach at Woodruff, came home when he officially accepted the head-coaching LANE position Byrnes on St. Patrick’s Day. “Man, I love this place, and I’m proud to be here,” said Lane, who also worked as an assistant coach at Byrnes until 2005. Lane replaced Bentley, who left the post in February to take a position on staff at Auburn University. But he also lauded Bentley, former head coach Chris Miller and others who set the bar high with seven Class 4A state championships since 2002 between them and led the Rebels to national rankings and exposure. “These guys took us to a level,” Lane said. “I want to continue that path. I want to keep the integrity high in our program.” Lane also said he understands the pressure that comes with the job at Byrnes, even more than Woodruff, which legendary coach Willie Varner put on the map and kept there for the better part of four decades. “I understand there’s
pressure,” he said. “But the real pressure is going to be trying to explain to my wife why I’m up here at 12 o’clock on a Sunday night looking at game film and trying to figure out Northwestern. “God always stretches you. He’s not giving me anything I’m not prepared to do.” Lane was assumed to be the frontrunner for the position from the time Bentley announced his resignation due to his lineage and connections to the Byrnes program. Byrnes Athletic Director Tony Gillespie said Lane’s Rebel history played a role in the decision, but was certainly not the only one. “Does it help that you’re a Byrnes guy? No doubt,” Gillespie. “We wanted the best buy available for the job. We talked to guys from all over the country during the process, but Brian just knocked them out, no matter what.” Lane collected 56 wins in six seasons at Woodruff, including a Class 2A Division I Upper State championship and state runnerup finish in 2011. He also collected four straight region titles from 2008-11 and a pair of 2A state finals appearances (2008, 2011). As much as Byrnes had long been his dream job, Lane said leaving the Wolverines was very emotional for himself and the players. “It was a blessed time,” he said of his tenure at Woodruff, noting the long string of victories and the 33 players that went on to play collegiately on his watch.
HIGH5
celebrating athletes & achievements
DAWKINS VICTORIOUS Both boys and girls eighth grade teams from Dawkins Middle School defeated Gable Middle School for the Peachtree Conference basketball championship recently. Above, the Lady Bearcats, finished the season with a 17-0 record, defeating Gable 40-33. Below, the boys team downed Gable 36-32 in the championship game.
PHOTOS BY JERREL PARTON GAME DAY u upstategameday.com 5
First Tee program expands to Cherokee National Golf Club Cherokee County youth ages 5 and up will be taught The First Tee Nine Core Values™ and Nine Healthy Habits™ through the game of golf at Cherokee National Golf & Recreation Club (CNGC). Through The First Tee teachings, participants learn to transfer the positive values of golf to everyday life. The curriculum is delivered by trained coaches and volunteers. “We are excited to enhance our junior golf credentials through The First Tee program, and grateful to the Spartanburg chapter for embracing the partnership,” said Charles Banks, CNGC President. “Through The First Tee,
our kids will develop the skills to be more successful in golf and in life.” Kyle Parker has been named CNGC Site Coordinator and is recruiting a corps of volunteers to help implement The First Tee program. Head Golf Coach at Byrnes High School, Parker recently earned The First Tee Level I Coach designation. Key assistance will be provided by Danny Agapion, CNGC Head Golf Professional and certified PGA instructor. Agapion was recently appointed to serve a three-year term on The First Tee of Spartanburg & Cherokee Counties Board of Directors.
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>> JADA WALLACE RETURNS TO ROOTS <<
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Broome all-state basketball player Jada Wallace returned to Pacolet Middle School to address the girls basketball team prior to its postseason tournament. Wallace, who was coming off a school-record 50-point performance that gave her more than 2,000 points for her high school career, recalled her middle-school years at Pacolet. She autographed copies of the November 2013 edition of Upstate Game Day, which featured Wallace on the cover.
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Twitter reacts to Bentley’s departure for Auburn By JOHN CLAYTON On Twitter @JCTweetsOn
Upon the somewhat surprising resignation of Byrnes head coach Bobby Bentley, one of the toprated high school football programs in the country was searching for a head coach for the second time in as many years. Bentley, who left his post at Byrnes to take a position with Southeastern Conference champion Auburn, was elevated to the head-coaching position with the Rebels last year when Chris Miller left for Spartanburg High School. Then, Bentley’s second stint as head coach was a forgone conclusion. But now Byrnes, which has two decades of recent success and continuity, has a “Help Wanted” sign at Nixon Field. Bentley was rumored to have been courted by Auburn and current head coach Gus
Storch posts impressive debut in CrossFit competition CrossFit Spartanburg recently hosted a Olympic weightlifting competition which 14-year-old Andrew Storch participated in his first such meet. Olympic lifting consists of the snatch and clean and jerk. Andrew competed in the junior division in the 77 kg weight class with a body weight of 161 lbs. and successfully hoisted a 105 lb.snatch and a 155 lb. clean and jerk. Andrew is looking forward to future Olympic lifting and other strength meets while preparing for football and track as a student athlete at Dorman High School.
“After 22 years of teaching and coaching at Byrnes, I can truly say that I have been blessed beyond measure. Growing up wanting to be a Rebel and helping build a program that is known nationally was a dream.”
Malzahn before, but this time Bentley, who also coached at his alma mater Presbyterian for two years, made the jump to bigtime college football. Reactions on Twitter began rolling in from former players and local supporters soon after the announcement was made. Here are a few: Marcus Lattimore @ MarcusLattimore “@bobbybentley: Once a Rebel always a Rebel Thanks to the District Five community!” Congrts coach u deserve it love you” Rebel4life @ByrnesFootball One of the hardest days in the program goes down as today. We will miss @ bobbybentley but proud of his accomplishment” Everett Dawkins @ TheUnderDog_79 “Big s/o to coach @ bobbybentley on his new job with auburn, it’s all about
> BOBBY BENTLEY
climbing the ladder and this is a big step congrats coach!” Willy Korn @willykorn “Congrats to my HS Coach @bobbybentley on getting hired at Auburn - he will do a tremendous job there!” Coach Trey Elder @ treyelder15 “The best teams are where the best players are the best people!” My favorite lesson learned from @bobbybentley” Chas Dodd @ChasDodd “Can’t wait to see what the
future holds for you and our family! I know you’ve been waiting for this opportunity! Love you @bobbybentley” Zach Blair @ZBlAiR10 “Not only taught me the game, but taught me how to become a man! Congrats coach, proud of you and thanks again for everything @bobbybentley” Trey Bailey @TBailey67 “Heavy heart and sad eyes but very proud of @ bobbybentley and thankful for all he has taught me throughout my life”
Caleb Buckley captures first place in Nautilus / St. Judes bench press contest Thirteen months after shoulder surgery, Caleb Buckley bench pressed the top weight in his class at 320lbs at The Nautilus Fitness Center Bench Press contest benefit for St. Jude’s Hospital. Buckley won First place for highest weight benched and second place for the formula used to determine pound for pound strongest. Nauilus Fitness Center raised $2,500 to benefit St. Jude’s.
GAME DAY u upstategameday.com 7
Oakbrook celebrates successful season Oakbrook Prep made it to the 2A SCISA state title game for the second year in a row but fell short against Charleston Collegiate recently at the Sumter Civic Center. “They beat us playing our own game,” said Oakbrook coach Clay Keim. “We didn’t hit shots, so we couldn’t run like we wanted to, but it’s only one day.” Colton Ayers led the Knights with 16 points while Kris White added 14. Senior David Pouzadoux along with Ayers was named to the AllTournament team. The Knights closed out a “fantastic season’ with a 19-10 record. “We lost seven of our
PHOTOS BY ROBERT CALDWELL III
top eight guys off last year’s team,’ said Keim. “The young guys came in and worked hard all year. I’m excited about the future,” he
said. The Knights this year were comprised mainly of freshmen and sophomores.
Oakbrook in action against Charleston Collegiate.
O
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Oakbrook’s student-athletes relentlessly pursue excellence in and out of the classroom. We offer athletic opportunities for student athletes starting in 5th grade through 12th in the following sports:
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Girls Basketball Boys Basketball Wrestling Baseball Girls Soccer Boys Golf Boys Soccer
Your opportunity awaits at Oakbrook. www.oakbrookprep.org
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“Coming to Oakbrook to play football was the best choice I’ve
ever made because it put me in a position to be successful. I had the best opportunity athletically because I knew coming to Oakbrook was going to make me be more of a leader.” Alex Hollis, OPS Class of 2013 OPS 2013 Male Athlete of the Year Selected to the SCISA Shrine Bowl 2,000-Yard Rusher
A downed tower lead to premature demise of ESPN Spartanburg, but for Matt Smith and crew...
RADIO DAYS Return
A radio transmission tower still rests over the roof of the former ESPN Spartanburg. Since the January mishap, ESPN moved to Entercom, and ESPN Upstate was born. Former owner Matt Smith, at right, has taken his daily show to WOLI “The Source.”
‘Open Mic Daily’ back on airwaves on ‘The Source’ By JOHN CLAYTON On Twitter @JCTweetsOn
A
downed transmission tower proved to be only the first of several dominoes to fall leading up to the premature demise of ESPN Spartanburg. ESPN Spartanburg, heard locally on WSPG 1400 AM and 97.1 FM, went off the air in January when a felled tree took out the station’s tower, creating a void in local sports radio that has since been filled by radio giant entercom and its new ESPN Upstate stations on 950 AM, 1330 AM
‘Greenville, Hello’
ESPN Upstate debuted Feb. 24 after Entercom landed the broadcast rights from ESPN over the still-dark WSPG. At first, ESPN Spartanburg President and on-air host Matt “Smitty” Smith, pledged to right his fallen tower and return to the air, but before
that could happen, Entercom officials began discussions with Smith and then with ESPN to bring the Disney-owned sports media giant back to the Greenville market for the first time since 2012.
“That’s what ESPN had wanted for some time -- a chance to be in both the Greenville and Spartanburg markets, but no one had stepped up to make that happen,” Smith said. When it was clear that WSPG would be off the air for more than 30 days, it cleared the way for Entercom make that step and to enter into a new contract with ESPN. ESPN Upstate was quickly born. “ESPN is the biggest name in sports and adding the most powerful brand in sports makes our dominant cluster of radio stations even stronger,” said Entercom VP/Market Manager Steve Sinicropi in a
release. “This past year we have had tremendous success in the sports arena with Clemson football play by play, Greg McKinney anchoring our College Football Today pregame show, and Carolina Panthers football with our Carolina Kick Off pre-game show hosted by The Rise Guys. Adding ESPN is another major step as Entercom Upstate becomes the place for sports radio in the market.”
‘The mic’s still open’
As the tower saga wore on and it became clear that Entercom would be bringing ESPN’s programming to Upstate sports fans, Smith seriously considered leaving the radio business behind him. But ESPN Spartanburg’s Open Mic Daily had gained a fervent following of local sports fans, some of whom were claiming withdrawal symptoms without the local sports-talk show to fill parts of their evenings. “I met with (co-host)
Mark Hauser and (colleague) Ryan Clary, and the three of us made the decision -- based on the feedback we had on our Facebook page and on Twitter -- to bring the local show back,” Smith said. “We felt like we just weren’t done yet. We felt like we got interrupted when the tower fell.” ESPN or no, the show would go on -- beginning Monday, March 10 on WOLI 105.7 FM and 910 AM, known as “The Source” and as the current broadcasting home of long-time morning host Bill Drake. While WOLI bills itself as an “Oldies” and community
OPEN MIC DAILY WOLI “The Source” 105.7 FM/910 AM 3 p.m.-6 p.m. M-F Co-Hosts: Matt “Smitty” Smith, Mark Hauser, Ryan Clary
GAME DAY u upstategameday.com 9
SMITTY / from page 9
information station, the station broadcast Dorman and Wofford football games this past fall. With the demise of WSPG, the Charlotte Bobcats, USC Upstate as well as the locally produced Open Mic Daily and Droppin’ the Hammer racing show have migrated to WOLI as the station has expanded its sports profile. “It’s a strong Spartanburg signal, and that’s our audience,” Smith said. “For us, it was important to give Spartanburg the show that was based here, covered sports here and gave them the things they wanted to talk about.” The newest version of Open Mic Daily debuted in March in an expanded format from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Smitty said he is embracing the opportunity to put together a three-hour show each week day without the added responsibilities and pains of running and entire radio station. “I think this is a real blessing based
Matt “Smitty” Smith behind the microphone during Open Mic Daily, heard from 3-6 p.m. on WOLI 105.7 FM /910 AM.
on the fact that we are going to be able to do a program that really focuses on Spartanburg area athletics,” he said. “And because we’re no longer running a station, but running a show, we’ll be more available for podcasts and we’re
creating a website for sports information and opinion -- a place for people to go. So, I’m happy with the way things went down.” n
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On the STICK
Lacrosse balance of power shifts to Upstate
LES TIMMS III PHOTO
Players face off during a preseason scrimmage between Spartanburg and Eastside.
By JOHN CLAYTON On Twitter @JCTweetsOn
The road is a relatively new one in the Upstate, but it already has its share of speed bumps. The field for boys lacrosse in the state has grown to 44 teams, including several powerhouses in Spartanburg and Greenville counties, and one of them could travel an increasingly perilous road to a state title this spring. “It’s improved every year,” Eastside head coach PLAISTED Ed Ryan said of the level of compeition in the Upstate. “I’ve been coaching for 11 years, and it’s constantly been on the uptick.” Ryan’s Eagles had just scrimmaged a senior-laden Spartanburg High School squad that appears poised to make a run at the state finals. “It’s definitely a possibility,” said senior attacker Robert Grier. “We’ve got some high hopes and big goals. We can definitely get there.” The Vikings returned a dozen seniors 12 MARCH 15- APRIL 14, 2014 u GAME DAY
LES TIMMS III PHOTO
to this year’s squad, including Grier and midfielder Hollis Burnett, both of whom were around in the very beginning. “We started playing in a field down by the school,” said Burnett, who played along with several teammates with the club Carolina Cannons. “The next year, we played varsity (in 9th grade).” But there are other teams in the Upstate -- Greenville, Riverside, Nation Ford and Fort Mill to name a few -- that have similar goals, hopes, talent and experience. Dorman was 3-9 a year ago and has a new head coach in Ron Cadorette, but the Cavaliers are just two years removed from a
state finals appearance. “The depth of talent has gotten exponentially better every year,” said Spartanburg head coach Nick Plaisted. Both Dorman and Spartanburg began their lacrosse programs six years ago. Region 2-4A foes Boiling Springs and Byrnes have also started programs. Byrnes joined the varsity level this year and Boiling Springs, which is coached by former Vikings head coach Dan Minkin, began junior varsity play this year and will play its inaugural varsity season in 2015. “We have 46 come out for our team at tryouts for 7th through 11th graders,”
Spartanburg midfielder Mason Barrett (31) chases down the ball against Christ Church.
Spartanburg’s Hollis Burnett (3) in action.
PETE COCHRAN PHOTO
Minkin said of his program at Boiling Springs. But for this season, Minkin said his former team has come of age after five years together and is among a handful of state title contenders to watch this season. Plaisted agreed. “This is the first group I’ve seen all the way through,” Plaisted said. “I remember when this group of seniors were freshmen. They were great players when they were younger
for their age, but they’ve progressed and have continued to get better.” The Vikings were 8-5 a year ago. Greenville is coming off an 11-2 season in which the Red Raiders earned the top seed from the Upper State With the exception of defending state champion and perennial power Wando and Hilton Head, the balance of power appears to be housed in the upstate -- not unlike football.
PETE COCHRAN PHOTO
That’s no surprise, Plaisted said. “Spartanburg has a lot of athletes,” he said. “If you give me an athlete, I can turn him into a lacrosse player.” First-year Riverside head coach Zeek Cummings, a native of the lacrosse hotbed Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia and Maryland, said more and
more local players would be competitive in that area. “There are probably four or five teams who could contend for a state championship,” said Cummings, whose Warriors scrimmaged both Spartanburg and Greenville in the preseason. “And I count ourselves among those teams.” n
Spartanburg High School lacrosse teammates take a break from preseason action against Eastside. The Vikings are considered to be among the favorites to challenge for the 4A state title this season.
LES TIMMS III PHOTO
Sky’s the Limit
Dallas Betsill stands next to the Cessna aircraft in which he taking his flight training.
Chapman’s Betsill gets head start on flying career By JOHN CLAYTON On Twitter @JCTweetsOn
D
allas Betsill’s baseball dreams are familiar to just about any youngster who ever picked up a mitt -- the pefectly manicured grass of big league parks, the shotgun blast of the wooden bat against ball, day games at Wrigley Field. But if Betsill’s Major League dreams don’t take flight, he will. The Chapman senior shortstop and Spartanburg Methodist commit, began taking flying lessons the first of the year at the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport. Betsill has one eye on becoming a commercial pilot, but is still keeping the other eye on the ball. “I always wanted to do this -- I just never knew if I actually was going to do it,” Betsill said. “But this year, I thought I’d take the next step and start plan-
14 MARCH 15- APRIL 14, 2014 u GAME DAY
Dallas Betsill in the cockpit.
ning my future. . . . This is what I want to do as a career.” More immediately, Betsill is embarking upon his senior baseball season with the Panthers before joining coach Tim Wallace’s Pioneers for 2014-15.
So for now, baseball is still a big part of Betsill’s flight plan. “Everybody’s goal is to get drafted,” he said. “So, if I go to SMC and get drafted, maybe I can invest in that plane, but if I don’t get drafted, that’s just the
next two years and then I can transfer to an aviation school of my choice.” As a junior, Betsill helped the Panthers to a 15-8 record that included a 12-game winning streak and a playoff appearance, as well as the Steve Sanders Memorial Tournament title. With a solid core returning, Betsill said he is confident that the Panthers can return to the playoffs this season. And confidence, he said, is at least one thing that relates to both baseball and aviation. “You have to have confidence with both of them -- when you go up in the air, you have to do what you’ve just been taught and you have to take it out on the field and have confidence that you can do what the coaches have taught you.” Betsill credited Chapman coach Steven Fusaro and Chris Nall, head coach of the Upstate Maverics travel team, for helping him develop into a collegeready baseball player.
In the seat of a Cessna C 152 single-engine plane, veteran flight instructor Lee Orr is responsible for turning Betsill into a pilot. By mid-February, Betsill was about an hour of flighttime away from taking his first solo flight. “I was a little nervous,” he said of his first time at the controls of an airplane. “I wasn’t scared -- I guess I’m a little bit of an adrenaline junky.” But he is also a bit of a realist and knows that baseball comes to an end for every player -- sooner or later. So, if that day comes sooner for Betsill, the plan includes possible enrollment in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., for two years after SMC. “I’m going to get my solo -- and then my private license and then my commercial by the time I’m 23,” he said. “At least, that’s the plan.” n
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Chapman’s Gray joins East Carolina
Woodruff’s Blake Bone signed with Kentucky.
By JOHN CLAYTON On Twitter @JCTweetsOn
With the football season winding down, South Carolina was showing a significant interest in Chapman wide receiver Tyshun “Deebo” Samuel and he was headed to the Shrine Bowl. Malik Gray, the Panthers’ quarterback and occasional wideout, was still hoping for a NCAA Division I offer after catching the attention of some Division II schools. On Signing Day, Samuel ended up where he had wanted to go all along with the Gamecocks and Gray saw his Division I dreams come to fruition as he signed with East Carolina. “It’s a dream come true,” said Gray. “Now, I get to go live it.” “He’s just a really good athlete who has good size and good lift,” said East Carolina assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Donnie Kirkpatrick. “He’s just a good receiver who runs by people and runs through people.” East Carolina, a new member of the American Athletic Conference, was one of the programs that put its hat in the ring for Samuel and found another
Tyshun ‘Deebo’ Samuel (left) and Malik Gray signed with South Carolina and East Carolina, respectively.
Division I talent sharing the field -- and the game film. “He just kept showing up,” Kirkpatrick said. “He was out there making plays, and we liked him a lot.” Gray is expected to play at outside receiver with the Pirates. Samuel, a do-it-all offensive threat at Chapman, joins the Gamecocks receiving corps that will work with former Boiling Springs High School quarterback Dylan Thompson, South Carolina’s newly minted starter. “I’m just going to keep on working on keeping my grades good and getting ready to go,” Samuel said. Both Samuel and Gray also played basketball for the Panthers. The two will also be reunited Sept. 6 when the Pirates travel to Columbia to take on the Gamecocks.
Woodruff sends 3 for football, 1 golf Woodruff wide receiver Blake Bone was one of three Wolverine football players to sign NCAA letters of intent on National Signing Day. After making his verbal commitment in September, Bone signed with Kentucky, fulfilling his dream to play in the Southeastern Conference. Football teammates Ken Drummond signed to play at Tusculum and Chris Leamon with Mars Hill. Golfer Tiffany Lancaster signed LANCASTER to continue her academic and golfing careers more locally at Spartanburg Methodist College.
Shorter choice ‘felt right’ for Landrum QB Bryant Landrum quarterback Aaron Bryant parlayed a rarified statistical season into a scholarship to Shorter University. Shorter, a Division II school in Rome, Ga., and member of the Gulf South Conference, will look to Bryant to run its option offense. “It just felt right,” Bryant said of Shorter. “With the coaches they have there, I think it’s going to be a good place to be for a while. Bryant recorded more than 2,000 yards passing BRYANT and rushing and accounted for more than 50 touchdowns this past season, leading the Cardinals to the playoffs. He also received offers from North Greenville and Limestone. He said he will have a chance to come in and play immediately at Shorter. “They said, if I can can come in and take the spot, then I’ll have a chance to play right away,” Bryant said. “I’m very excited. This is a great opportunity.” 18 MARCH 15- APRIL 14, 2014 u GAME DAY
Landrum’s Aaron Bryant (13) in action this past season. Bryant signed with Shorter after one of the most prolific offensive seasons in school history.
College dream comes true for Cavs’ keeper Ward By JOHN CLAYTON On Twitter @JCTweetsOn
Chesnee’s (from left) Chase Mills (Wofford), Josh Blanton (Limestone) and Cameron Stepp (North Greenville) signed their NCAA Letters of Intent.
3 Chesnee Eagles move to next level Three Chesnee football players signed their letters of intent on National Signing Day in early February. Defensive lineman Chase Mills (Wofford), offensive lineman Cameron Stepp (North Greenville) and lineman Josh Blanton (Limestone). While Mills and Stepp will be parting ways, it won’t be for long. Mills’ Terriers and Stepp’s Crusaders will meet Sept. 13 at Wofford’s Gibbs Stadium. “It’ll be nice to see him, but it will be nicer to beat him,” Stepp said. For Mills, the continuity of Wofford’s
long-time coaching staff under Mike Ayers helped him make his decision. “(Coach Ayers) has been there a long time,” Mills said. “I just feel like it’s a great opportunity for me to show my stripes and to compete.” Blanton will be a part of Limestone’s inaugural football season as a true freshman, just one year behind last year’s red-shirted recruiting class. “They said I could come in and compete for a starting spot in the fall,” Blanton said. “I want to be one of the players to take the first snap for Limestone College.”
It can get lonely in net, but that didn’t stop Dorman goalkeeper Gabriel Ward from wanting to be there. The Cavaliers’ senior signed with Newberry College on NCAA National Signing Day after being recruited by second-year Wolves head coach and former Wofford assistant Barry Slagle at a soccer camp this past summer. “You always have to be prepared to be leaned on,” Ward said of playing his position. “You always have to be there for your team. You’re the last line of defense.” And that’s what can make the position a lonely one. “If it goes through you, it’s pretty much your fault, even if you don’t want WARD to think of it that way,” Ward said. “If they score, that’s what goes through your mind.” Ward began playing soccer at the age of 5 and moved to goalkeeper occasionally by 10. At 13, he was in net fulltime. He has honed his skills there at Dorman and with his Carolina Football Club teams. All along, he kept his dream of playing collegiately alive while attempting to keep the ball in play. “It’s been my dream ever since I was little -- I’ve always wanted to play college ball,” Ward said. “I think I told my dad when I was 8 that I wanted to play, so I’ve always tried to work hard and get better and things opened to me.”
Notes & Quotes UPSTATE GAME DAY SPOKE WITH SEVERAL AREA ATHLETES WHO SIGNED THEIR LETTERS OF INTENT ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY. HERE IS WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:
BYRNES KATHRYN PEAY, cheerleading, Limestone Peay broke new ground, becoming the first Rebels cheerleader to sign an athletic scholarship. “It’s good to know that all my hard work has paid off. I’m glad I can be a role model to all the younger ladies who want to pursue their passion of cheerleading and know they can reap the benefits that go with it.”
VICTORIA DAVIES, cross country, North Greenville Davies earned a new personal-best time and reached her goal of breaking the 19-minute barrier in her final high school meet. She will continue her running career with the Crusaders. “I really prayed about where God wanted me to go to school, and I felt like that’s where God wanted me to go to school. . . . I hit 18:58 in my very last race in high school, so I knew I had finished out to the very best of my ability. I couldn’t think of a better way to end my high school career in cross country.”
9 football players sign Nine football players, including All-American quarterback and two-time South Carolina Player of the Year Shuler Bentley, signed with eight different Division I and Division II schools. For Bentley, a long-time verbal commitment was made official after he signed with BENTLEY Old Dominion. “In that offense Old Dominion runs, I don’t think they have too many running plays,” Bentley said. We’re going GAME DAY u upstategameday.com 19
to have fun on the beach, slinging it around in Conference USA and hopefully bring back a couple of conference championships to Norfolk.” Bentley leaves Byrnes as its all-time leading passer -- with many of those yards and touchdown passes going to Shaedon Meadors, who honored his verbal commitment to Appalachian State despite a last-minute push from new Big Ten member Rutgers. A package deal with Bentley to Old Dominion was also an early consideration for Meadors. “It was real hard to break up (the tandem) with Shuler,” Meadors said. “It seems like we’ve been throwing together since second grade, but just to see both of us go on and have a chance to play in college and get an education for free is just amazing. . . . At App, it just felt like the place I needed to be.” SYDNEY MARTIN, OL, The Citadel Martin hasn’t cut his hair since the Rebels won a state championship with Martin on board his freshman year. That will change and the long blonde locks will be gone when he enrolls this fall at The Citadel. Martin, who will join former Byrnes teammate Isaiah Pinson on the Bulldogs offensive line. “I feel like it gives me good core values,” Martin said of going to the state’s military college. “I like challenges in my life. I can really challenge myself going there and have goals.”
At Byrnes, (from left) Kathryn Peay, Victoria Davies, Shuler Bentley, Tyriek Lyles, Sydney martin and Ben Watson on Signing Day.
Also (from left) Avery James, Greg McHam, Travis Thomas, Dylan Quinn and Shaedon Meadors.
PAMELA DUNLAP PHOTOS
The haircut, he said, won’t be a problem. TYRIEK LYLES, DB/LB, Wofford Lyles carried the secondhighest grade-point average on the Byrnes football team and wants to put his mind and body to work
at Wofford. He is expected to play outside linebacker for the Terriers and prepare for medical school at Wofford. He wants to become a pediatrician. “It was a great educational school and, for me, I felt like that’s as big as liking football,” Lyles said of Wofford. “It’s a great school. I like
it there a lot.” AVERY JAMES, LB, Liberty The Flames won over James, who had double-digit sacks and tackles-for-loss en route to winning the Rebels’ Head Hunter Award this past season. “It was the best fit for me. Every
Vikings’ Washko to Wofford for soccer, Smith to Ga. State for track HANNAH WASHKO, a four-year starter for Spartanburg High School, will continue her soccer career at Wofford College. “I just felt like it was the right environment for me,” Washko said of choosing nearby Wofford. Washko has totaled 103 points with 34 goals and 38 assists, as a Viking. She also has a 4.45 grade-point average and plays to major in psychology or biology.
20 MARCH 15- APRIL 14, 2014 u GAME DAY
Spartanburg track standout Aubreya Smith, left, and soccer standout Hannah Washko on Signing Day.
Longtime Spartanburg High track coach Grover Smiley called senior AUBREYA SMITH “one of the most talented track athletes” he has coached in his 38-year career. That’s high praise for the Georgia State track signee, who said she chose Georgia State because of the diversity at the school’s Atlanta campus. Smith was one of six athletes to sign with Georgia State for women’s track. As a junior with the Vikings, Smith earned all-region honors in the high jump, triple jump and long jump.
time I talked to Coach (Marshall) Roberts, (Head) Coach (Turner) Gill and Coach (Robert) Wimberly, I just felt like they were father figures to me, and I just felt like I was at home.”
the recruiting process, I thought about them and said, ‘maybe I can get them to recruit me,’ and they did. . . . After being there in 8th grade, maybe He was telling me something.”
BEN WATSON, C, CarsonNewman Watson said his college and football choice may have been made for him several years ago. “I went on a mission trip there in the 8th grade. . . . When I started
DYLAN QUINN, TE, Newberry A tight end can easily get lost in Byrnes’ spread offense, but Quinn made enough of an impression on the Newberry coaching staff to get an offer and he said the Wolves and a more traditional, pro-set offensive
system was impressive to him. “They got me on a visit as soon as possible, and I fell in love with the place, the system, the coaches -pretty much everything about it.” TRAVIS THOMAS, LB, and GREG MCHAM, WR, Tusculum Rebels Travis Thomas and Greg McHam will continue their careers together at Tusculum. “Adjusting to the process from high school to college and having someone I’ve grown up with there is
really good,” Thomas said. (McHam) will be there to keep me level headed and I can keep him level headed. It’s going to be awesome.” McHam’s play on the field made him an easy pick for a college program, and he was able to get his academics in order just under the wire. “It was tough getting grades and everything organized,” McHam said. “I’m just thankful that I’m going to get to go to college and get an education.”
8 Cavaliers sign letters of intent JONATHAN JACKSON’S uncle straightened his nephew’s tie before the pair entered Dorman High School’s basketball arena for National Signing Day. Jackson, who signed with Elon a few minutes later, looked every bit the part of a young man ready to meet his future. He was one of four football players, two soccer players and a pair of baseball players to sign their NCAA letters of intent. Jackson is the only signee from South Carolina to sign with the rebuilding Phoenix. “I have to be ready to embrace the grind,” Jackson said. “They’re going to be on the grind, doing better things on the field and in the classroom, and I really want to be a part of that. And being the only guy from South Carolina means something to me -- that they saw something in me and wanted to bring me up there.” DESMOND GETER, WR, Tusculum Undersized wideout Desmond Geter was happy for a chance to continue playing after being a productive player for the Cavaliers. “I know the coaches look at me and see a guy who is 5-8 or so, but I’ve got a big heart and I play like I’m 6-3,” Geter said.
Front row (from left), Zachary Cooper (Presbyterian), Jordan Pryce (Carson-Newman), Jonathan Jackson (Elon), Desmond Geter (Tusculum) signed for football. Back row (from left), Jordan Brady (Converse/soccer), Derrick McMillian (SMC/ baseball), Ike Thalassinos (SMC/baseball) and Gabriel Ward (Newberry/soccer).
JORDAN PRYCE, OL, CarsonNewman Pryce grew into his role as a key offensive lineman at Dorman -- from 185 pounds as a freshman to 6-4, 260 pounds as a senior with a learning curve still ahead of him. “I’ve come a long way from ninth grade to now,” Pryce said. “I’ve kind of struggled with some injuries this year, but the best is yet to come.” ZACHARY COOPER, OL, Presbyterian The former Shrine Bowler is looking for a shot at medical school after his football career ends at Presbyterian. “They’ve got a good program down there, and I’m looking forward to contributing down there,” Cooper said. “They’re saying I’ll be at center, but they might move
me around. I’m a coach’s player, so I’ll do whatever they need me to do.”
In soccer . . . JORDAN BRADY, forward/ midfield, soccer Converse held firm with its commitment to Brady, who is coming back from a torn ACL to join the Valkyries. “I thought they wouldn’t want me anymore, but the coaches were really nice about it,” said Brady, who hopes to be back on the field by June. Brady said Converse’s recent success on the pitch also played a role in her decision.
In baseball . . . IKE THALASSINOS, IF, Spartanburg Methodist Thalasinos has made an
impact as a lead-off hitter for the Cavaliers and wants to make an impact with the perenially powerful Pioneers. “I just want to get there and be able to play for them and to play under a coach like Coach Wallace will be an honor.” DERRICK MCMILLIAN, P/C/U, Spartanburg Methodist McMillian has proven his versatility with the Cavaliers and figures that will give him an edge at SMC. “I can play all the positions I need to -- that’s one of the things I’ve been blessed with, the ability to play all the positions,” he said.
See additional signings in the April edition of Upstate Game Day GAME DAY u upstategameday.com 21
3 Landrum runners sign with in-state schools The key number for the Landrum girls cross country team seems to be “three.” As in three state championships in the past six years to go along with three runner-up finishes in that same timespan. And now, three senior runners -- Paige Herbst, Elizabeth Walter and Sarah Cash -- have signed to continue their respective running careers in college.
In their words . . . PAIGE HERBST, The Citadel Herbst will join older brother Ryan at The Citadel where she hopes to pursue a military career. She is already a member of the National Guard and Landrum’s Army JROTC program.
“I really fell in love with (the military),” Herbst said. “I love PT; I love serving my country, and I just want to do that for my country and make that my career.” More immediately, Herbst said she has her eyes set on Landrum’s 7,200-meter record of 12 minutes, 31 seconds this track season. ELIZABETH WALTER, Newberry “I was nervous at first about signing, but then I did it and wasn’t nervous (after) being able to go walk around the campus and meet the person that is the head of education and meet the cross-country coach. I also met some of the girls on the team and that helped relieve some stress
Members of Landrum’s state champion cross country team (from left) Elizabeth Walter (Newberry), Paige Herbst (Citadel) and Sarah Cash (Southern Wesleyan) signed with their respective colleges.
because they made me feel like I was already a part of their team. They made me feel welcome and showed me every type of dorm room and talked to me about what kind of runs they do and how they basically do everything as a family.” SARAH CASH, Southern Wesleyan “When I visited SWU, I felt at home. Signing to run there just
felt right. The coaches made the recruiting process so easy and comfortable for me, and when I was touring the college and talking with them I already felt like I was part of the team. Leaving Landrum’s track and cross country programs will be really hard for me because these runners and coaches are my family, but I am beyond excited to see how far I can go and how much fun I will have at Southern Wesleyan.”
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Leah McGetrick signs National Letter of Intent during Oakbrook ceremony.
McGetrick signs with Belmont Abbey Oakbrook Prep’s LEAH MCGETRICK signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Belmont Abbey next season. The senior midfielder was an all-state selection and SCISA Region III-2A Player of the Year last year. Belmont has “one of the top teams in Division II,” McGetrick said. “The coach told me that they were looking for players at my position, so I feel like I’ll be able to play early.” McGetrick is coming of an ACL injury last season but has been cleared to play for the Knights this spring.
EMBRACING the PAST BUILDING for the FUTURE
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For anyone with the desire to play sports at the college or professional level, the road is long and hard. This regular feature is about local athletes, living their dream, competing at ...
CATCHING ON > SENIOR LUKE WEBER
STEPPING UP AS SPARTANS’ LEADER By JOHN CLAYTON On Twitter @JCTweetsOn
U
SC Upstate’s Luke Weber can still be found behind the plate most days, but his role with the Spartans has changed as baseball season got under way at Harley Park. “I’ve got to be the guy to step up in big moments,” said Weber, the Spartans’ senior catcher. “It is a leadership role as a senior. Thankfully, we’ve got four other guys to help me out with that, and I think we’ve done a pretty good job with it so far.” Weber is one of five seniors on this year’s Upstate squad, a quintet vastly outnumbered by underclassmen, including 17 freshmen. In early March, Weber was named to the Johnny Bench Award watch list for the nation’s top college catcher. As snowbird teams such as Pittsburgh, Ball State and George Mason fled toward the south to begin their seasons in warmer climes, Weber got back to work behind in familiar territory behind home plate. He began playing baseball at the age of 5 and started catching at 11. By the time he left Spartanburg High School, he had earned all-region honors and a spot in the annual NorthSouth game. He was the Vikings’ offensive and defensive player of the year as a senior. In college,
24 MARCH 15- APRIL 14, 2014 u GAME DAY
he has grown to a sturdy 6-foot-3, starting 158 games -- most of them at catcher -- for the Spartans in his first three years. “Since coming to Upstate, my primary goal has been to make sure I’ve been to able to get better every year and every single day and that I can contribute to the team in any way I can,” Weber said. This year, that means handling a young pitching staff. “Luke has always been a field general back there,” said senior pitcher David Roseboom. “He’s not a big rah-rah guy, but he goes back there and he gets the job done. With him being a senior, he’s able to take these young guys and settle them down. . . . He’s just a solid rock back there.” Weber, who has also played occasionally at first base during his collegiate career, is also coming off his best offensive season with the Spartans. He hit .332 (second-best on the team) in 2013 with five home runs and 42 RBI. Behind the plate, he threw out 15 base runners attempting to steal (fourth in the Atlantic Sun) and 63.4 percent of wouldbe base stealers. He is hoping that those numbers coupled with three years experience in woodenbat summer leagues -- North Carolina’s Coastal Plains League and Minnesota’s Northwoods League -- will lead him to a shot at professional baseball. He will be eligible for Major League Baseball’s amateur draft in June. Professional baseball -- the same dream Weber has had since
NICK WEBER USC Upstate Number: 9
Position: Catcher/1B Major: Business Administration Selected: Atlantic Sun All-Academic Team in 2011, 2012 Favorite sports figure: Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer Favorite movie: The Godfather Favorite food: Steak
Little League and through all the high school games, the travel-ball tournaments and the grind of the college schedule and now he feels it is finally within reach. For younger players, however, playing beyond high school is a step in that direction, and one about which Weber can advise. “I’d say to make sure (the players) keep working hard at it every day,” he said. “Some days, it’s just there, but you have to come back the next day and work
even harder. If you come out there and give a good effort, I promise you people will see it. They’ll take notice of it and possibly give you a shot.” Weber has taken full advantage of the shot he earned and has a more immediate goal in mind for his Spartans. “I want the team to compete and gel and come together out there,” he said. “And I think we will.” n
FAITH in SPORTS Rev. SETH BUCKLEY
PREPARATION KEY TO SUCCESS IN SPORTS AND LIFE
“E
verybody wants to get stronger but nobody wants to do what it takes to get there!!” barked the coach to the weight room filled with young, eager athletes who were straining and grunting in an effort to please the coach. This scene is duplicated many times over in the weight rooms across middle schools and high schools as coaches of all sports work to prepare their athletes for the year-round grind. The goal in each coach’s mind is to get each player stronger and faster. Preparation is THE key to success in sports and in a game or match; it can often be easily overlooked. When the pressure is on, it is usually the one who took the time to prepare, train, study, and practice that will emerge as the victor. The great inventor Thomas Edison said, “Success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.” It is important for coaches to give inspirational speeches, and many times it is the inspiration that can be the x-factor in a game where two teams are evening matched through preparation and perspiration. In most cases though, the game is decided in the grind of the weight room and training fields where as TOP GUN Pilot Marine Corps Captain Nelson Swofford shares that “Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” From Little League to the Major League, it is important to prepare, implement, and evaluate so that the experience
of success no longer appears to be an unattainable goal. It is interesting to me though, that this principle, which is so simple, so elementary, is so frequently missed when coaches and parents try to experience success in the Game of Life. We tend to take life as it comes and try to make adjustments on the way but we would never think of doing that for Game Day Preparation! If we were preparing to coach a game, we would study our team and try to strengthen our weaknesses and play to our strengths. We would study the opponent so that we could better understand their strategy and be prepared with an effective response. If we would go through so many extremes to plan and prepare for a game, how much more should we plan and prepare for the events that are ahead and the decisions we will be making. How should you treat others, how should you respond to criticism, how do you handle losing, how do you handle winning? And the list goes on! How should you treat your wife, your husband, your children, or your neighbors? Rather than taking life as it comes…lets learn from the principle of success in athletics and transfer them into our personal lives by realizing that the Master Designer has an incredible plan for our lives. We must determine in advance that we will spend time in preparation so that we
can know the Game Plan so that when the time of testing comes, we will be able to evaluate the situation and implement God’s plan. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” In modern day translation, if you want to successfully walk on this road called life, we must take the time to prepare by reading God’s Word, and in doing so, He will begin to shine the light on each situation so that you can better respond in accordance to the training you
have already done! To rephrase the words of the coach mentioned earlier, “We all want to make better decisions in life, but are we willing to take the time to do what it takes to make that happen?” n Rev. Seth Buckley is Minister to Students at First Baptist Spartanburg.
GAME DAY u upstategameday.com 25
FAITH in SPORTS Rev. BUCKY ROGERS
BUILDING CHARACTER IN YOUNG ATHLETES
T
here are times in life when things just don’t quite fit into a black and white mold; when what is right isn’t as clear cut as it might seem. Then there are other areas where we know exactly what’s right and wrong and the question then becomes, ”Will we do what is right?” I was recently at a boys basketball game and overheard the coach say, “Hinged heels, hinged heels.” I was a bit taken aback, frankly. I know that coaches use these techniques (and others) all the time to draw out and offensive foul, but for some reason, this time it stuck with me. What are we teaching our young athletes? What is more important, building character or adding another tick mark to the “W” column at all costs? I think we have to remember as coaches, as parents, mentors, teachers, and other influencers of young lives that very little of WHAT we actually invest in right now will remain 10 years from now. The vast
majority of players in high school sports do not go on to a sports career. However, very much of HOW we invest will remain. How we taught them to win, or to lose, matters. How we respect one another, even on opposing teams, matters. How we speak on the field, the court, the rink, or swim center, matters.
their team reach its highest potential more than they value the win, the retaliatory foul, or the trash talk thrown about on the field. And players will only experience this when coaches and parents led the charge.
2 Corinthians 8.21 says “for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”
1) If you’re a coach, start with character and integrity. Be the man or woman you want your players to become one day. Model self-control and leadership. Lead your team not only to pursue victory, but to pursue it the right way. Help them know that if they win the right way, they deserve every bit of the honor and celebration that might follow. Any other win is cheap and destructive.
What he’s trying to communicate is that our public actions matter every bit as much as our private ones. In the sports that students play every day in the Upstate, and in the race of everyday life, integrity has to triumph over winning. Speaking honorably and coaching honorably have to speak louder that the barrage of complaints and pressures to win. This can only happen when the players have a culture shift and begin to value being their personal best and helping
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3 quick ways to lead the charge:
2) If you’re a parent, support your coach. Unless there is a blatant integrity issue that has arisen, trust his or her leadership and teach your kids to do the same. Speak well of
the coach, always. And if your kids have a problem with a coach’s decision or methodology, let them handle it and encourage unity regardless of the outcome. 3) If you’re a player, hone your skills and see your former self as your only competition. Become better every day and lead your team to become better together. When you do that, you won’t have to worry about the wins…they’ll come. n
Bucky Rogers is the Pastor of Students and Worship Arts at theMill in Spartanburg SC where he and his wife Julie have served for the past 7 years. They have 4 children and plan to adopt many more. Bucky leads IgniteSpartanburg, is on the advisory board for the International Center for Youth Ministry, has written curriculum for Student Life and Nav Press, speaks at various camps and retreats, is the author of ‘Rooted in the Ancient Words’, and blogs at www.buckyrogers.net
Area athletes recognized for hoops accomplishments Chesnee’s Deion Holmes earned state Class 2A Player of the Year honors as the S.C. Basketball Coaches Association announced its 2014 all-state teams. Holmes, a junior, led the Eagles and the county with 31.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. In Class 4A, Dorman’s J.J. Arcega-Whiteside earned boys all-state honors, while Dorman’s Khalia Webb and Spartanburg’s Kionna Jeter received girls all-state honors. Gaffney’s L.J. Peak, who verbally committed last fall to Georgetown, was named Class 4A Player of the Year. In Class 3A, Broome’s Jada Wallace was named to the girls all-state squad after averaging 31.7 points per game, and Chapman’s Tyshun “Deebo” Samuel was named to the all-state boys team.
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
TRAINING FOR THE MOST MEMORABLE TIMES 3…2…1…The game winning shot was made, the winning run scored, or the last second TD pass completed. How many kids have played out that scenario in their backyard or playground? The countdown to the end of the game then the winning play made. Now how many of those plays actually happen in real life? Of course the situation must present itself. But when it does will you be prepared? Louis Pasteur said that chance (luck) favors the prepared mind. I say that good fortune (game winning plays made) favors the prepared body. The prepared body is the trained body. Training is for game performance, simple as that. Put together the right training program and execute that plan, and it will bring you good fortune (game winning plays). Training, at least real training that produces results, has to be different than just getting the reps
done. 500 shots, 200 swings, 100 thrown passes are all great things but unless done at game speed you may not really be producing the results that you aspire to achieve. “Never mistake activity for achievement” says legendary coach John Wooden.
Write down what you need to do to achieve your goals. Don’t just write down practice more, eat right or lift weights. Of course you need to do those things but be specific. Shoot basketball for 30 minutes 4 days a week at game speed, work on KEN the leg strength 3 days FINLEY a week by doing 3 sets First, you need of lunges each of those to establish a goal(s). Make a days. You get the idea right? varsity team, achieve a college Training properly is a grind. scholarship, score 20 points, have It takes commitment, work ethic 10 tackles in a game, or whatever and attention to detail. Something you want to happen. Goals help I learned a long time ago is that you focus your training and make the training is often some of the sure that you are consistent with it. most memorable times of your life. Without goals it becomes easy to Notice I didn’t say it was the “best” miss a training session or say I’ll time of your life, and I didn’t do it tomorrow. say it was the “most fun” time of your life. I said it was the “Most Establishing goals is the easy Memorable”. part. Now you need a road map I remember those 5:30 AM to make those goals come true. morning training sessions. Did I
love them? No. Did I need them? Yes. Did they pay off? Yes. They helped me become the best player I could be but more importantly they helped me become the best person I could be. Another quote from Coach Wooden, “There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile results come from hard work and careful planning.” And hey, it’s not for everyone, some players don’t have the dedication nor are willing to fully focus on and dedicate to the process and, for those athletes, they’ll always be one step behind you! What did you do today to make your goals happen? Enjoy the grind. You’ll never, ever, forget it. n Ken Finley is a physical therapist and certified youth speed and agility specialist. To learn more about his youth athletic development programs you can contact him at kfinley@finleypt.com.
Your Children Have Everything They Could Ask For. Does That Include Life Insurance? One of the most important things you can give your children is a life insurance policy for yourself. At Edward Jones, we meet with you face to face, so we can get to know you and your entire financial picture. That way, we can help find the life insurance policy that best suits your family’s unique needs. Because all the toys in the world aren’t worth as much to your children as ensuring you’ll always be there for them.
To learn about the wide range of life insurance products we offer, contact your local Edward Jones financial advisor. This literature is intended to promote and assist in the sale of life insurance or annuities. Talk with me about the various insurance and annuity products offered through Edward Jones. Edward Jones operates as an insurance producer in California, New Mexico, and Massachusetts through the following subsidiaries, respectively: Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C., Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C., and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C.
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Financial Advisor .
104 D Franklin Avenue Spartanburg, SC 29301 864-576-0165 INS-1945B-A
GAME DAY u upstategameday.com 27
BIG E
ENTERTAINMENT OUTLET brings big family fun to Upstate Staff Reports
R
ICK HACKEL quit retirement in the name of fun. Hackel, a veteran in the amusement industry in the Chicagoland area, had left the midway games and their flashing lights but the bells and whistles called him back when he found the Big E Entertainment Outlet. The Big E, which features a nine-screen movie theater, full-sized bowling alley, arcade games, an indoor playground for kids and a small night club with live entertainment and a full menu for adults, opened for business under the experienced Hackel on Oct. 1 of last year. “(The facility) was on
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its last breath,” Hackel said. “Since we’ve done the renovations, the public has embraced us. We’re trying to rebrand ourselves and trying to endear ourselves to the community.” After taking over operations in October, Hackel began a $1.7 million renovation that also included a mandated switch to digital projectors in the cinema -- two of which are 3D capable. With the recent closure of Spartanburg’s east-side theater complex, Hackel said he is hoping the Big E will become an option for movie goers from the area. Plans for April 2015 also include a miniature golf course, batting cages and a go-kart track as Big E becomes an indoor/out-
door complex. “(The facility) needed some new life brought to the table,” Hackel said. When plans are completed, the Big E will be the only entertainment complex of its kind without a Greenville, Charlotte or Columbia zip code. So far, the reaction from the local community has been positive. “We’ve seen the numbers double since we took over,” Hackel said, noting the progress and the sparse crowds when he took over operations. “It’s amazing,” said Anna Grace Phillips, 11, who was visiting with family from Clyde, N.C. Phillips and other families were taking advantage of Big E’s amenities during a chilly Martin Luther King Day holiday in January. “I’m really excited that this is available to us here,” said
Elizabeth Goodenough, of Gaffney, who was spending time with daughter Emerson, 5. “It’s a great place to have birthday parties and things like that. We didn’t really have that here before.” Two days earlier, Big E had set a new facility record by hosting 19 birthday parties. The previous high had been six. “A family atmosphere is what we’re striving for,” Hackel said. “We don’t have violent video games and we keep the playground for the younger kids. . . . We want to make it a safe environment. That’s what (parents) want when they bring their kids here.”
Bowling industry veteran Alan Southern, top photo, left, took over floor operations this past October and has helped transform The Big E into an elite Upstate entertainment destination. Here, Southern poses with several members of his team.
BIG E ENTERTAINMENT OUTLET >> LOCATED OFF I-85, EXIT 90 on Factory Outlets Boulevard, adjacent to Gaffney Premium Outlets >> OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon.-Wed. -- 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. -- 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sat. -- 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Sun. -- 11 a.m.-10 p.m. >> For parties and corporate events, call 864-489-1515, Ext. 100
ADVERTORIAL
Chiropractic gains fans among athletes
W
hen Dr. Karen Thomas was told at age 18 that she would never dance again, it lit a fire that continues to burn brighter than ever. Today she is a successful chiropractor who has treated hundreds of athletes all over the Upstate from her base at Greer Chiropractic Center. She has many success stories to tell. Dana Young’s daughter Tori suffered from periodic back pain that limited her competitive dancing, but after several visits to “Dr. Mom” Tori is back on the dance floor. “I believe that when your child is involved in sports, and you want to achieve the absolute best performance you have to treat the structure of the body,” said Dana. “Due to repetitive use of certain joints and muscles the body can tend to respond in pain. Over time, this can result in long-term chronic issues. We as parents believe chiropractic care is the best response to the repetitive use and injuries that can occur. In most cases chiropactic care has kept our daughter on the dance floor able to compete and perform with limited down time due to injury or pain.” Dr. Thomas takes a personal approach with all her patients, but especially student athletes. “They are usually afraid or concerned about their ability to continue playing. They do not want to disappoint their coaches, teammates or parents,” she said. “They also really want to continue to play themselves. I remember a doctor telling me I would never dance again and how devastating that was for me especially at 18 years old with no further explana-
30 JAN. 15- FEB. 14, 2014 u GAME DAY
lenge in treating student athletes in that they are coached many times on a higher level. “With the increase in technology and availability of scholarships for many sports other than just basketball, football and baseball, I see the college student coached Chiropractic care has helped pitcher on what was the Zack Smith recover from soreness. pro level, the varsity student athlete on tion. I want to be very honest the collegiate level, the while educating the student middle school athlete on about their condition and the high school level, etc. what they can do to help me That student as an indigive them the best care.” vidual may or may not be Dr. Thomas makes sure developed or trained to that parents, coaches, and be successful on his or her trainers are apprised of treat-
level of performance.” Susan McConnell, a mom to six active kids, has been one of Dr. Karen’s biggest fans for many years. “Over time, we have come to look to Dr. Karen for any kind of injury or fall-- and with six active kids, that happens a lot,” she said. “One of my sons has scoliosis, and I believe that her adjustments have kept his condition from advancing. She has treated us for sprained wrists and ankles and painful knees. In addition to the physical adjustment in the office, she gives us great advice on therapies at home. I think we would do without our general practictioner before we would do without Dr. Karen!”
ment, limitations or necessary conditioning so there is a shared common goal. “Most cases treated early respond within a week or two, “ Dr. Thomas said. “Biofeedback and cold laser seem to be two of the least costly but most effective treatments in addition to adjustments. The most important concept while treating the student athlete is our understanding each other. They have to be honest with me and they know I have their best interest in mind.” Zack Smith, a pitcher for North Greenville University, has played baseball since age 4. “After many years, I started to have some issues with my pitching arm,” he said. So, Zack went to see Dr. Karen, “who worked on my pitching arm and it helped to keep the soreness down. I continued to go to her especially on the days that I pitched and it has made a big difference.” Dr. Thomas sees a chal-
Ask “Dr. Mom”
Be ready to Compete! Conditioning * Alignment * Sports Exams * Rehab
Greer Chiropractic Center, PA DR. KAREN THOMAS drthomasgc@aol.com www.greerchiropractor.com
215 W. Poinsett St, Greer, S
864-877-5795 Follow us on Twitter and Tumblr @ AskDrMom And Like our Facebook page Greer Chiropractic Center
Play With Me Grandma!
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