By Lee DavisLuke Toulitatos will freely admit he doesn’t suffer from stage fright. The rising senior at Homewood isn’t an actor. He’s a basketball player. He’s always in his comfort zone on a basketball court with the game on the line. “I never get nervous,” Toulitatos said. “I seem to play better when the pressure is turned up a little bit. I enjoy the big … [Read more...]
Mountain Tigers: Former Area Stars Part of Auburn Title Run
By Lee Davis Over The Mountain softball fans probably felt a little like deja vu while watching Auburn University’s impressive finish in the College Softball World Series in Oklahoma City last week. Four former area stars – Hoover’s Madison Dickey and Marcy Harper, Spain Park’s Madi Gipson and Mountain Brook’s Courtney Shea -- were all part of a Tiger team that won the … [Read more...]
Legends and Iron: Rebels’ Potter and Eagle Coach Lead 2016 All-OTM Baseball Team
By Lee Davis Sonny Potter’s genetic makeup might suggest that he’s a fine athlete. His grandfather was Jimmy Sidle, an All-American quarterback at Auburn University in the early 1960s. While Sidle’s footsteps are large, his grandson more than filled them in the 2016 baseball season. Potter was a driving force for Vestavia Hills as the Rebels posted a 30-8 record, at one time … [Read more...]
Spain Remains: Jags’ Hawkins and Tedder Share Top Player, Coach Honors
By Lee Davis There was a time when Spain Park softball wasn’t a very big deal. “Before we got here they even gave an award if a girl just dived for a fly ball in the outfield,” Lady Jaguar coach C.J. Hawkins recalled. “We had to change that mindset from the very beginning.” The mindset did change, and a decade later, Spain Park is one of the state’s elite softball programs. … [Read more...]
Pack Year: Oak Mountain Star Named Top Player in State
By Lee DavisThe Oak Mountain girls soccer team fell short in its quest for the state Class 7A championship, but a Lady Eagle still brought home one of the most prestigious awards in the sport. Sophomore midfielder Julia Pack was named the 2016 Gatorade Player of the Year. Pack scored 18 goals and 17 assists in leading Oak Mountain to a 23-4-1 record and into the second … [Read more...]