By Rubin E. Grant Chris Camper teaches social studies, but he knows a thing or two about chemistry, especially as it relates to team sports. As he embarks on his seventh season as Hoover’s volleyball coach, Camper believes he has the right blend of youth and experience to make the Bucs a Class 7A contender this season. “We’re excited,” Camper said. “We’ve got great senior … [Read more...]
Peyton’s Place: Hoover All Star Baseball Player Has No Plans to Return to Football this Fall
By Rubin E. GrantPeyton Wilson hasn’t changed his mind about football.Even though the defending Class 7A champion Hoover Bucs have an opening at quarterback this year, and even though both of his brothers are former state championship Hoover quarterbacks, Peyton Wilson has no plans to play the sport again.He made the decision to walk away … [Read more...]
Halls’ Move to Homewood Turned out Splendidly for Father and Son
By Rubin E. Grant A year ago, Lee Hall had his doubts about accepting the Homewood baseball coaching job. It wasn’t because he didn’t think it was a good opportunity, but because of his son Josh. Lee Hall had been the head coach at Randolph High in Huntsville and Josh had been a standout center fielder on the team for three seasons. “I had my reservations about uprooting … [Read more...]
Jag’s Annabelle Widra Named OTMJ Player of the Year – as a Freshman
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...]
Relaxed Approach Enabled Hoover’s DiChiara to Reach His Potential
By Rubin E. Grant Sonny DiChiara’s senior baseball season didn’t end with another state championship, but it was satisfying, nonetheless. “It was really a more relaxed year, coming off a state championship,” DiChiara said. “I played loose and was having fun with it.” For DiChiara, having fun equaled a productive season as a first baseman and pitcher. At the plate, He … [Read more...]