By Lee Davis When Spain Park coach Shawn Raney talks about great seasons in Jaguar football history, he’s just as likely to discuss 2007 as he is 2015. That may seem strange because Raney wasn’t Spain Park’s coach in the 2007 season. But there’s a lesson from that year that he wants his players to carry into 2016. “The last time Spain Park reached the state championship … [Read more...]
39th Parallel: Anderson and Vestavia Just Keep Winning
By Lee DavisAs Buddy Anderson enters his 39th season as head football coach of the Vestavia Hills Rebels, he’s become accustomed to the media questions about his possible retirement date. His answer to the question now is similar to what it was 10 years ago, and probably what it will be 10 years in the future, assuming Anderson still is coaching. “Coaching is what God … [Read more...]
Opening Volley: Mountain Brook Aims for Third Straight 7A Title
By Lee Davis After winning two consecutive Class 7A state volleyball championships, the Mountain Brook Lady Spartans might be automatically favored to earn their third consecutive blue trophy. But taking the prize might not be quite that simple. Yes, Mountain Brook was imposing last season, posting a 57-6 record climaxed by a sweep of McGill-Toolen to win a second straight … [Read more...]
Trophy Case: Spain Park Staff Earns National Award
By Lee Davis A decade ago, C.J. Hawkins left a successful program at Clay-Chalkville to become the new softball coach at Spain Park. On her first week at her new job, Hawkins realized the challenge she faced. “We were cleaning out the dugout and found an award they had been giving to players for diving for a fly ball – just diving for it, that’s all,” she said. “We knew then … [Read more...]
Legends and Iron: Rebels’ Potter and Eagle Coach Lead 2016 All-OTM Baseball Team
By Lee Davis Sonny Potter’s genetic makeup might suggest that he’s a fine athlete. His grandfather was Jimmy Sidle, an All-American quarterback at Auburn University in the early 1960s. While Sidle’s footsteps are large, his grandson more than filled them in the 2016 baseball season. Potter was a driving force for Vestavia Hills as the Rebels posted a 30-8 record, at one time … [Read more...]