Spain Park’s Patrick Martin isn’t a fellow who enjoys talking about himself.He’d much rather let his golf game serve as his voice.And Martin, who is headed to Vanderbilt University this fall, used his golf game to speak more loudly than ever at the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A championships at Magnolia Grove Falls Course in Mobile in May.After … [Read more...]
Carr Quest: Lady Spartan Star Chosen as Top Girl Athlete
By Lee DavisBelieve it or not, Sara Carr’s introduction to volleyball came comparatively late in life.“I started playing basketball in first grade, but I was in seventh grade when I first played volleyball,” she said. “The skill set is a little different, so I probably wasn’t physically ready to play volleyball any earlier than that.”Maybe not, but her volleyball … [Read more...]
Good Times: Birmingham Swim League Celebrates 50 Years
By Lee DavisJack Barnacastle coached future Olympian Billy Forrester and several future college All-Americans in his days as a swim coach.He coached many more future husbands, fathers, wives and mothers.They were all special to him.For four decades, Barnacastle was one of the top swim coaches in the Birmingham area, but with his modest nature, he won’t talk much … [Read more...]
Check Mate: Hoover Resident Teaches Chess in a Digital Age
By Lee DavisBalagee Govindan has accepted a challenge that would daunt others.In a world of computers and rapid-fire video games, Govindan has a passion for teaching another kind of activity to young people. Govindan’s game of choice doesn’t make much noise, and people don’t stand in line waiting to purchase a new version of it at the neighborhood electronics store. All … [Read more...]
The Haynes Brand: Spartan Midfielder Named Gatorade Player of the Year
By Lee DavisAs a young girl, Leigh Haynes gave several sports a try.Basketball was fun, but she tended to foul out a lot. Her hustling, aggressive nature earned her the name “Bulldozer.” In a different mode, Haynes tried ballet, but it wasn’t for her. Something about the speed and aggressiveness of soccer made the game a perfect fit.“I started playing Sunday … [Read more...]