By Tyler WaldrepOak Mountain coach Cris Bell didn’t need a visit to the hospital to realize things needed to change for his team, but that’s what he got. In February, spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the open spaces in the spine, crushed the nerves between Bell’s L2 and L5 vertebrae and left him unable to walk for nine days. “I remember they would move me from the bed … [Read more...]
Repeated Efforts: Jaguars Hope to Be Consistent Program
By Lee Davis When Spain Park coach Shawn Raney talks about great seasons in Jaguar football history, he’s just as likely to discuss 2007 as he is 2015. That may seem strange because Raney wasn’t Spain Park’s coach in the 2007 season. But there’s a lesson from that year that he wants his players to carry into 2016. “The last time Spain Park reached the state championship … [Read more...]
39th Parallel: Anderson and Vestavia Just Keep Winning
By Lee DavisAs Buddy Anderson enters his 39th season as head football coach of the Vestavia Hills Rebels, he’s become accustomed to the media questions about his possible retirement date. His answer to the question now is similar to what it was 10 years ago, and probably what it will be 10 years in the future, assuming Anderson still is coaching. “Coaching is what God … [Read more...]
Heavy Lifting: Zoo Offers Guests a Chance to Pump up Next to Pachyderms
By Emily WilliamsThe Birmingham Zoo’s newest event sheds light on a little-known fact: even the world’s largest mammal has to find time to work out. According to Laura Schillinger, zoological manager for the Trails of Africa, the three African elephants who call Birmingham home start each day by working out. “Exercise is a big part of their day,” Schillinger said. “We … [Read more...]
Opening Volley: Mountain Brook Aims for Third Straight 7A Title
By Lee Davis After winning two consecutive Class 7A state volleyball championships, the Mountain Brook Lady Spartans might be automatically favored to earn their third consecutive blue trophy. But taking the prize might not be quite that simple. Yes, Mountain Brook was imposing last season, posting a 57-6 record climaxed by a sweep of McGill-Toolen to win a second straight … [Read more...]