By Blake Ells Spain Park won its first girls basketball state championship March 3 in dominating fashion – a 56-26 victory over McGill-Toolen Catholic from Mobile. McGill-Toolen made just nine field goals against a team that had been preparing for that moment. The Jaguars were led by senior Claire Holt, who had 20 points, five rebounds and four steals. She knocked down three … [Read more...]
Cultural Camping: Folk School Program Preserves the Past for Future Generations
By June MathewsFrom its Native American beginnings, to its agricultural economy, to its role in the Civil War, Alabama’s cultural heritage runs diverse and deep.But through each element of its culture runs a common thread: the creative hearts and hands of Alabamians, manifested in the form of traditional folk arts.The Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell, the camp … [Read more...]
Repeat Performance: Buc’s Dewitt Closes Career With Another State Wrestling Title
By Rubin E. GrantWhen D’Angelo Dewitt began wrestling in the seventh grade at Bumpus Middle School, it was a way to channel some of his aggression.“I got into my fair share of fights,” he said, “so when I saw the wrestling team at Bumpus, I thought that was something I could do.”Little did he know that was the beginning of his journey to becoming a two-time state … [Read more...]
Wear It Well
My granddaughter wants to be a princess when she grows up. Today, it’s specifically Princess Elsa, but on other days she wants to be Rapunzel or Ariel or Aurora. I don’t have the heart to tell her that those slots are already taken and that real-live princess positions don’t always turn out to be magical.In pursuit of her princess dream, my granddaughter gets up every … [Read more...]
Barker Bama Bound: But Says He’s Not Following His Father’s Path
By Blake EllsOn Feb. 7, senior athletes from across the country made their college choices known by signing their Letters of Intent on National Signing Day.Former Spain Park quarterback Braxton Barker accepted an offer to join the Alabama Crimson Tide as a preferred walk-on, a decision that seemed predestined. His father, Jay, led the Tide to a national championship in … [Read more...]