Vestavia Hills distance runner Ethan Strand has added another award to his collection before he heads off to North Carolina in the fall on a track scholarship. Last week, Strand was named the Gatorade 2020-2021 Alabama boys track and field Player of the Year. It’s the third Gatorade state award for Strand, who also earned the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 cross-country honors. He’s … [Read more...]
New Challenge: Segars Leaves Vestavia Hills for AHSAA
By Rubin E. Grant Jeff Segars has entered uncharted waters, but he’s ready to navigate the unknown. Segars joined the Alabama High School Athletic Association at the end of June after spending nearly 30 years involved with the athletic program at Vestavia Hills High School. His role with the AHSAA is as an assistant director. “The new challenge excites me,” Segars said. “It … [Read more...]
Making a Difference: Spartans’ Webb Receives Honor for Being a Role Model
A person would have to look long and hard to find someone in Alabama more passionate about the sport of soccer than Joe Webb. The Huffman High School graduate has been a high school soccer coach for 29 years, the last 25 at Mountain Brook. His Spartans’ team presented him with his 400th career coaching win in 2018. His win total is more than 450, but he’s not counting. What … [Read more...]
Diamond Dandy: Widra Caps Outstanding Spain Park Career With Another Player of the Year Award
By Rubin E. Grant Annabelle Widra and Spain Park softball have been synonymous for the past six years, ever since she joined the Jaguars as a seventh grader. The seemingly forever journey ended last month when Widra graduated, but what a journey it was as she became the most highly recognized player in the history of the Spain Park program. Widra capped off her brilliant … [Read more...]
Nerves of Steele: Big-Game Performances Earn Hoover Catcher Baseball Player of the Year Honor
By Rubin E. Grant Lucas Steele enjoys playing in big games. In fact, the bigger the stakes, the better he plays. So, it’s not a surprise that as Hoover made its remarkable run in the Class 7A state baseball playoffs, Steele, a junior catcher, was the driving force. “He likes big moments,” Hoover baseball coach Adam Moseley said. “He was struggling a little before area play, … [Read more...]