By Anne RuisiKathryn Tortorici and Nancy Bynon’s friendship was forged 18 years ago when the then-Mountain Brook residents worked on a cookbook for the Junior League of Birmingham. Their bond grew over the years and transformed in 2019 when the women were diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time. The longtime friends have a book about their cancer journey … [Read more...]
‘Delayed Gratification’: Thompson Making the Most of Time as Briarwood’s Starting Quarterback
By Rubin E. GrantComing into the 2023 high school football season, the Briarwood Lions expected to employ a two-quarterback system with the graduation of phenom Christopher Vizzina.Vizzina started for four years, passing for 7,220 yards and 59 touchdowns. He also ran for 29 touchdowns.Senior Josh Thompson and junior Will Clark were tasked with filling the massive … [Read more...]
Mentally Ready: Hoover’s Dakis Tries to Have Right Mindset When Running Cross-Country
By Rubin E. GrantFor Hoover senior Zander Dakis, running is more mental than physical. That’s why he prefers cross-country to track.“Cross-country is more of a mindset sport,” Dakis said. “In track, it’s a lot about leg speed. If you mess up one bit, you can’t recover. In cross-country, it’s a mindset race. If you mess up, you still have time to recover.”Dakis … [Read more...]
Double-Take: Lacey Twins Emerge as Pivotal Players for Mountain Brook Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. GrantMae Mae and Annie Lacey get some curious looks from the other side of the net whenever they are on the front row together for the Mountain Brook volleyball team.“They point at us and then you can hear them whispering, ‘Are they twins,’” Mae Mae said. “Then when the point is over they ask us, ‘Are y’all twins?’”Indeed they are. In fact, the Laceys … [Read more...]
‘Wonderful Experience’: Athletes Thrilled to Take Part in Special Olympics
By Rubin E. GrantThe spectators and event coordinators had fun, but the participants had a blast, judging from their smiles and laughter.More than 525 students – representing 50 classes or groups from Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Trussville and two post-secondary programs – participated in the 18th annual Special Olympics at Hewitt-Trussville’s … [Read more...]