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...]
All Star Honors: John Carroll’s Bernal Relishes Being a Soccer Player Like Her Sister
By Rubin E. GrantGabriel “Gabby” Bernal wanted to be just like her older sister Nicole.Nicole started playing soccer when she was 4, and Gabriel couldn’t wait until she could join in the fun of kicking the ball around.But at the outset, Bernal lacked assurance in her ability, so she really didn’t start playing until she was … [Read more...]
Heading for State: John Carroll Girls Soccer Sets Sights on Recapturing Title
By Rubin E. GrantListen to the stories of any fishermen or hunter and inevitably you will hear about the one that got away.The John Carroll Catholic girls soccer team can talk about something similar.After winning three consecutive state championships, one in Class 5A in 2014 and two in Class 6A in 2015 and 2016, the Cavaliers’ streak … [Read more...]
Repeat Performance: Buc’s Dewitt Closes Career With Another State Wrestling Title
By Rubin E. GrantWhen D’Angelo Dewitt began wrestling in the seventh grade at Bumpus Middle School, it was a way to channel some of his aggression.“I got into my fair share of fights,” he said, “so when I saw the wrestling team at Bumpus, I thought that was something I could do.”Little did he know that was the beginning of his journey to becoming a two-time state … [Read more...]
‘It’s Still a Big Rivalry’: Passionate Hoover-Vestavia Hills Football Game Takes Center Stage Again
By Rubin E. Grant In the book “Tales from Alabama Prep Football,” Buddy Anderson described his introduction to the Vestavia Hills-Berry football rivalry. “Vestavia opened in 1970 and most of the kids who came to Vestavia had been going to Berry,” Anderson recalled. “We opened the ’72 season against Berry and they had a good team. We had some players who had a choice that … [Read more...]