By Lee DavisThe next time you’re daydreaming about football, imagine a high school team that had the best players from Homewood, Cahaba Heights, Irondale and, for good measure, add some from Mountain Brook. Do you think there might be a playoff-worthy team coming from that talent pool?In 1966, you didn’t have to imagine. The Shades Valley Mounties had that exact mix, … [Read more...]
Crowd Noise: Jaguar-Spartans Confrontation Had Big-Time Atmosphere
By Lee Davis Spain Park and Mountain Brook weren't playing for a state, regional or even an area basketball championship last Friday night. But a casual spectator would never have known it based on the intensity of the fans in the stands and the quality of the play on the court. The home-standing Jaguars defeated the Spartans 77-65 in a Class 7A Area 6 battle that actually … [Read more...]
Pre-Season Warm-up: Football Fans Get in Gameday Mode at Tailgate Challenge
By Donna CorneliusYou can always count on some fan favorites at The Bell Center’s annual Tailgate Challenge.Teams that compete in the football-focused fundraiser set up in full game day mode, with decorated tents, food and plenty of spirit.University of Kentucky folks traditionally trot out their much-admired bourbon balls, and Longhorns from the University of Texas … [Read more...]
Holy Grounds: The Abbey in Avondale Combines Coffee and Church
By Donna CorneliusAt first glance, The Abbey may seem like just a cool community coffee bar. You may see a young professional type of fellow sitting at a table with a mug beside his laptop, or women gathered for conversation and chicken salad sandwiches.But if you drop into the Avondale establishment late on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll notice a different crowd. That’s … [Read more...]
Homewood Native Uses Running to Build International Bonds
By Keysha DrexelTracey Abbott says she learned a lot about herself and about setting and reaching goals as a runner.And now almost 21 years after she graduated from Homewood High School, Abbott is coming home to launch a nonprofit aimed at connecting girls from around the world through a shared passion for running.Abbott, who currently lives in New … [Read more...]