By Solomon Crenshaw Jr.MONTGOMERY – The Wade Waldrop Era of Hoover High School football began with a loss Friday night as the Bucs fell 17-14 to the Auburn Tigers in the AHSAA Kickoff Classic at Cramton Bowl.The season-opening loss was Hoover’s first to an in-state opponent since the Rush Propst Era opened with a 30-29 loss to Jess Lanier in 1999. The game was … [Read more...]

By Bill Lumpkin IIIThe prodigal son returned home Thursday night, showcasing a NASCAR-fast offense and promising to return the Vestavia Hills football program to the success of its prestigious past.The initial game drew mixed reviews in a tough 24-14 loss to Class 6A, No. 2 Mountain Brook, but new coach Robert Evans has the Rebels faithful hoping for a quick turnaround … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantSally Otts was a nervous wreck.Even though she had just won the Senior Level A Three-Baton competition at the 2022 U.S. Twirling Association’s National Baton Twirling Championships, Otts was still on edge.That’s because her younger sister Susan Otts still had to compete on the junior level in the national championships, which took place July 11-16 … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantThe exuberant reaction of Grace Kingrey’s dad, Dave Kingrey, was priceless.After failing to medal in the 2021 WUKF Karate World Championships in Romania, Grace Kingrey earned a bronze medal in the event this year, held July 3-7 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.“I was so happy,” Grace Kingrey said. “I ran over to my dad and he was smiling and said, ‘You … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantKellye Bowen isn’t looking back. A year after guiding Spain Park to its first state volleyball championship, Bowen has put it in her rearview mirror. The only thing that matters to the Jaguars’ head coach is the 2022 season.“I always say it’s a new year and a new opportunity,” Bowen said. “I said that in 2021 after we had a successful season in … [Read more...]