By Lee DavisEven if Smylie Kaufman had stopped playing competitive golf at the end of May, he would have had a memorable season.After all, the Vestavia Hills graduate led his Louisiana State University Tigers to the NCAA’s golf Final Four, giving his school’s program its finest finish since 1967. On top of that, Kaufman posted a second-place individual finish in the … [Read more...]
All-OTM Softball Team
By Lee DavisOnce upon a time, Spain Park softball was so weak that players actually got an award just for diving for a ball in the outfield.All of that changed when C.J. Hawkins took over the program nine years ago. Now, the Lady Jaguar program regularly posts winning seasons, produces all-stars and contends for state championships.And that’s exactly what Spain … [Read more...]
All-OTM Baseball Team
By Lee DavisA generation from now, Spain Park supporters will remember the 2014 baseball season as special.The Jaguars put together a solid regular season, but as the playoffs began they were on virtually nobody’s short list to claim a state championship.As is the case with all great teams, however, Spain Park saved its best baseball for last. It utilized old … [Read more...]
Sumner Breeze
By Lee DavisMuch of Jon Sumner’s childhood was probably spent playing baseball in his backyard, imagining he was the game-winning hero.The dream met reality for the Spain Park senior last week–not once but twice.With his Jaguars playing a best-of-three series with Sparkman for the 6A state championship, Sumner got key hits in the first and third games to give … [Read more...]
Steele-ing Home: Ex-Cav Great Takes Over At His Alma Mater
By Lee DavisAfter a fine basketball career at the University of Alabama, Andrew Steele thought his future plans were well set.He was wrong.After graduating from the Capstone in 2013, Steele worked in marketing and as an assistant to John Carroll Catholic basketball coach Larry Harbin. Steele certainly knew his way around John Carroll, having earned all-state … [Read more...]