By Rubin E. Grant Wade Kirkpatrick is in the market for a book agent. He figured the best way to attract one was to write another book. “I published my first book last year and I needed a second book to get an agent,” said Kirkpatrick, who goes by the pen name Patrick Kirk. So, as he had done with his first book, “Lighting Storm,” Kirkpatrick turned to a subject with which … [Read more...]

If Homewood’s track and field dynasty continues during the 2020-21 school year, it will be without coach Tom Esslinger. Esslinger has been named the new Hewitt-Trussville track and field coach. He had coached Homewood’s track and field teams since 2005, winning 20 state championships. He was named the 2017 girls track and field national Coach of the Year. Esslinger replaces … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant Addison Tierney didn’t plan on following in her mother’s footsteps. It just turned out that way. When she was a little girl, Tierney tried several activities, including dance and softball. One day her mother, Ashley Tierney, asked her if she wanted to try soccer, and Addison said sure. Little did Addison Tierney know that would put her on the same path her … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant Colton Ledbetter probably will always wonder what might have been. Spain Park’s 6-foot senior center fielder was in the midst of a career baseball season, batting .414 with four home runs, 15 RBIs, 18 runs scored and 17 stolen bases in 16 games when the season came to a screeching halt because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With 12 seniors, including eight of … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the remainder of the high school spring sports seasons in March, it ended the soccer career of one of the state’s most lethal players. At least that’s how Hoover soccer coach Kris Keplinger described senior forward Sam Bauder. “As a soccer player, he was dangerous,” Keplinger said. “He created problems … [Read more...]