By Tyler Waldrep Growing up, former Oak Mountain standout Heath Quinn dreamed of playing basketball professionally. Whenever his dad asked him what his backup plan was, Quinn would always repeat that he wanted to play in the NBA. On June 10, Quinn got the call that he had been drafted by a San Francisco Bay-area team, but it wasn’t the Golden State Warriors on the phone, it … [Read more...]
August Run: Football Is Closer Than We Think
By Lee Davis For those people who think that summer seems to be shorter every year, here’s some evidence that proves your theory: High school football practice in Alabama starts in less than three weeks. As incredible as that sounds, it’s true. The Alabama High School Athletic Association designates Aug. 1 as the first day teams can practice for the 2016 season. So if you’ve … [Read more...]
Michael’s Song: Johnson Continuing Family Golf Legacy
By Lee Davis When Michael Johnson picked up his diploma at Auburn University last month, a strong case could be made that he was one of the finest players the Tiger golf program had ever produced. Johnson earned All-American and All-Southeastern Conference honors in his senior season. He was a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus Awards and holds … [Read more...]
Hot Child in the City: Nick Dunlap Fires 59 at Highland, Humbles Other Courses
By Lee DavisSometimes golfers get on hot streaks that make them virtually unstoppable. In 1971, Lee Trevino swept the U.S., British and Canadian Opens in a matter of weeks. In 2000-2001, Tiger Woods owned the championships of all four major tournaments at the same time. Nick Dunlap may not be as experienced as Trevino or Woods, but he’s been on a special roll of his … [Read more...]
Heir Frances: Spartan Distance Runner Named Top Girl Athlete
By Lee Davis Frances Patrick celebrated her high school graduation by traveling overseas. Patrick is accustomed to traveling long distances, often by foot. For the past four years, she was one of Mountain Brook’s – and the state’s – finest girl distance runners. Characteristically, Patrick saved the best for her senior season. Her odyssey of winning began last fall in the … [Read more...]