By Lee Davis For those people who think that summer seems to be shorter every year, here’s some evidence that proves your theory: High school football practice in Alabama starts in less than three weeks. As incredible as that sounds, it’s true. The Alabama High School Athletic Association designates Aug. 1 as the first day teams can practice for the 2016 season. So if you’ve … [Read more...]
Heir Frances: Spartan Distance Runner Named Top Girl Athlete
By Lee Davis Frances Patrick celebrated her high school graduation by traveling overseas. Patrick is accustomed to traveling long distances, often by foot. For the past four years, she was one of Mountain Brook’s – and the state’s – finest girl distance runners. Characteristically, Patrick saved the best for her senior season. Her odyssey of winning began last fall in the … [Read more...]
Mountain Tigers: Former Area Stars Part of Auburn Title Run
By Lee Davis Over The Mountain softball fans probably felt a little like deja vu while watching Auburn University’s impressive finish in the College Softball World Series in Oklahoma City last week. Four former area stars – Hoover’s Madison Dickey and Marcy Harper, Spain Park’s Madi Gipson and Mountain Brook’s Courtney Shea -- were all part of a Tiger team that won the … [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...]
Spain Remains: Jags’ Hawkins and Tedder Share Top Player, Coach Honors
By Lee Davis There was a time when Spain Park softball wasn’t a very big deal. “Before we got here they even gave an award if a girl just dived for a fly ball in the outfield,” Lady Jaguar coach C.J. Hawkins recalled. “We had to change that mindset from the very beginning.” The mindset did change, and a decade later, Spain Park is one of the state’s elite softball programs. … [Read more...]