By Kent HowardWhen I was in elementary school, I wrote our Congressman John Buchanan requesting copies of NASA photographs, I had seen advertised, chronicling the Apollo space program. He responded with a letter, along with a carefully packaged envelope of more than a dozen 8.5 x 11 glossy photographs. My most treasured pictures included the Eagle lunar … [Read more...]
New Faces: Hoover Volleyball Coach Expects Team to Experience Growing Pains
By Rubin E. GrantAmanda Wood won’t be managing expectations, but her own vexation as she enters her second season as Hoover’s volleyball coach.The Bucs graduated nine of its 13 players from the 2022 team, which reached the Class 7A quarterfinals and finished with a 35-17 record, earning Wood OTM Coach of the Year honors in her first season.When the 2023 season … [Read more...]
Light Out of Darkness: Mountain Brook Volleyball Team Turns to Under Armour Commercial for Motivation
By Rubin E. GrantThe Mountain Brook volleyball team has adopted a motto from gold medal-winning swimmer Michael Phelps in its hopes to reclaim the state championship.The Spartans saw their bid for a third consecutive Class 6A title in 2022 end in a semifinal loss to Bayside Academy. Bayside went on to capture its national record 21st consecutive title across six … [Read more...]
‘It Means a Lot’: Coaches Welcome AHSAA Decision to Sanction Flag Football as a Championship Sport
By Rubin E. GrantWhen the Alabama High School Athletic Association Central Board of Control recently voted to sanction girls flag football as a championship sport beginning with the 2024-25 and 2025-26 classification periods, it was welcomed news for the coaches at Hoover and Vestavia Hills.“It means a lot,” Hoover coach Sabrina Jemison said. “It’s giving girls an … [Read more...]
‘World Class Food Festival’: Five Events Will Highlight Birmingham’s First FOOD+Culture Festival
By Donna Cornelius Tickets are now on sale for the first-ever Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival, set for Oct.12-15.The festival will feature five signature events over four days, including more than 10 dinners, an amplified farmers market experience and more than 50 featured chefs, mixologists, brewers, pit masters and such. The fun will be spread out over venues around the … [Read more...]