By Rubin E. Grant A year ago, Lee Hall had his doubts about accepting the Homewood baseball coaching job. It wasn’t because he didn’t think it was a good opportunity, but because of his son Josh. Lee Hall had been the head coach at Randolph High in Huntsville and Josh had been a standout center fielder on the team for three seasons. “I had my reservations about uprooting … [Read more...]
Jag’s Annabelle Widra Named OTMJ Player of the Year – as a Freshman
By Blake EllsWhile Spain Park’s season didn’t end the way the Jaguars had hoped, accolades continue to roll in for freshman pitcher Annabelle Widra.After breaking her own school record with 264 strikeouts this season, she is Over the Mountain Journal’s Player of the Year.“My older brother has a great work ethic, and I feel like I’ve gotten … [Read more...]
Four-peat Spain Park’s Hawkins is Unanimous Pick as OTMJ Coach of the Year
By Blake Ells Spain Park softball coach C.J. Hawkins has been chosen unanimously as the Over the Mountain Journal's coach of the year. The Jaguars came up just short of winning a state championship, falling in two games to Fairhope in Montgomery. Hawkins had no seniors on this year's squad "I'm very grateful for my players," she said. "My parents. Our community. They … [Read more...]
Relaxed Approach Enabled Hoover’s DiChiara to Reach His Potential
By Rubin E. Grant Sonny DiChiara’s senior baseball season didn’t end with another state championship, but it was satisfying, nonetheless. “It was really a more relaxed year, coming off a state championship,” DiChiara said. “I played loose and was having fun with it.” For DiChiara, having fun equaled a productive season as a first baseman and pitcher. At the plate, He … [Read more...]
It’s Two in a Row as Mountain Brook Golfers Capture State Title
By Blake EllsMountain Brook shot a 13-under 275 in round two of the 80th annual Alabama High School Athletic Association State Golf Championships to finish 32 strokes under par with a team total 544, securing their second consecutive Class 7A boys title over rival Spain Park.The Jaguars were the last school not named Mountain Brook to win the title – … [Read more...]