By Blake EllsWhile Spain Park’s season didn’t end the way the Jaguars had hoped, accolades continue to roll in for freshman pitcher Annabelle Widra.After breaking her own school record with 264 strikeouts this season, she is Over the Mountain Journal’s Player of the Year.“My older brother has a great work ethic, and I feel like I’ve gotten … [Read more...]
Spring Break Workout: Briarwood Sends Students to Mission Trips in Central America
By Blake Ells For 15 years, Briarwood Christian School has had a mission program that has allowed its students from all walks of life to visit and serve Central American countries. The two oldest trips led students to Nicaragua and Guatemala. A trip to Haiti was added a year ago, and this year, for the first time, a group spent its spring break in Panama. “There’s been so … [Read more...]
Spartans Gann Leads All-OTM Volleyball Team
By Blake EllsWhen the volleyball season began, Libby Grace Gann was tasked with a tall order. She was the only senior on a team with a new coach and just one junior to complement her experience.Former coach Haven O’Quinn left Mountain Brook High for Birmingham-Southern College after leading the squad to three straight state championships. Just before the season … [Read more...]
Old Tricks: Briarwood’s Yancey Said Smart Players Made a Good Year Better
By Blake Ells Fred Yancey has been coaching football for almost 50 years; his first team was in 1969, right after college. Being named Over the Mountain Journal Coach of the Year is certainly not the first time the Briarwood Christian legend has been recognized for his leadership, but the accolades never get old. “It means that we’ve had a great season,” said Yancey. “As … [Read more...]
Advancing Lions: Briarwood Heads to 5A Semifinals With Dreams of Reclaiming Title
By Blake EllsBriarwood Christian’s defense proved too stout for Etowah in the quarterfinals – allowing just 181 yards – and the Lions remained unbeaten with a 31-0 victory. They advance to meet St. Clair County in the 5A semifinals.The Blue Devils successfully contained the Briarwood Christian running game, but the Lions found other ways to create … [Read more...]