By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. Retired referee Steve Newton remembers the Hoover-Vestavia Hills football game he didn’t get to officiate. Ten years prior, Newton’s son played for the Rebels. The father was set to referee when Hoover hosted its longtime rival. “That was fine,” Newton said, “because enough years had gone by.” Or so he thought. … [Read more...]
‘Dynamic Player’: Briarwood’s Helms’ Volleyball Athleticism Comes From the Bloodlines
By Rubin E. GrantAlthough her dad, Wes Helms, played Major League Baseball, Stella Helms had no interest in playing on a diamond.So, softball wasn’t in the equation. “I never liked it,” Stella Helms said. “Even when I was little it wasn’t my sport.”Instead, Helms became a volleyball player. She’s been playing since the third grade.“Some of the girls at … [Read more...]
Transformation: Mountain Brook’s Benton Has New Outlook on Running Cross-Country
By Rubin E. GrantLucy Benton had a spiritual awakening during the summer.She had viewed herself as mainly a track runner with cross-country mostly an afterthought. So, she was putting a lot of pressure on herself to succeed in track and in the classroom.But by the end of her junior year at Mountain Brook High School, Benton was an emotional mess and nearing … [Read more...]
‘Inseparable Bond’ Shanks Brothers Making Their Presence Felt in Spain Park’s Backfield
By Rubin E. GrantTim Vakakes did everything in his power to leave the Shanks boys behind when he left his job as head football coach at Jackson-Olin in Birmingham to become Spain Park’s football coach following the 2021 season.Vakakes had known Derick and Dakarai Shanks for several years, watching them play Little League football in Wylam in western Birmingham because … [Read more...]
Creative Instincts: Vielguth Brings Passion, Leadership and Skill to Vestavia Hills Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. GrantIt’s a good thing Audrey Vielguth listened to her friends.They kept telling her she could be a good volleyball player, so when she was in the seventh grade, she decided to play.Vielguth has proven her friends right. Two years after she began playing, she joined the Vestavia Hills’ varsity team. Now a senior libero/defensive specialist, Vielguth is … [Read more...]