By Rubin E. Grant Senior Night for the Vestavia Hills baseball team became more than just a special evening to recognize 16 seniors. It also was an evening to witness a profile in courage. Senior right-handed pitcher Alden Windham has been battling a mysterious illness for months, dealing with agonizing pain, first in his legs and then in his back, with his condition … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant John Carroll Catholic softball coach Jeri Beck doesn’t have any qualms about fielding a young team. In fact, she rather enjoys it. “We’ve got young kids on the field this season and we always do,” Beck said. “One of the advantages I have is I get them in the seventh grade and get to work with them for six years. “I’m never shy about putting seventh graders … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant Dr. John Riser is a veteran marathon runner, but later this month he won’t be running, but instead riding, a long distance. Riser, co-founder of Alabama Neurology Associates in Homewood, will participate in the Grace Ragland 400-mile Bike Ride April 21-24, going from Birmingham to Greenville, to Atmore and finishing in Fairhope. The ride is a fundraiser for … [Read more...]

Andrews Sports Medicine has launched a new podcast about sports injuries and how to overcome them.  Dr. Michael K. Ryan, orthopaedic surgeon with the practice, is host of the Victory Over Injury podcast. “Sports fans often focus on injuries only when they occur: the concern when a favorite player suffers an on-field injury or the post-game news conference when a coach … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant The past year has been something of a roller coaster ride for Vestavia Hills senior Kaylee Dressback. It began last March when schools closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Alabama High School Athletic Association was forced to cancel the remainder of its spring sports seasons. Dressback, a standout soccer player for the Rebels, was thoroughly … [Read more...]