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...]
Four-peat Spain Park’s Hawkins is Unanimous Pick as OTMJ Coach of the Year
By Blake Ells Spain Park softball coach C.J. Hawkins has been chosen unanimously as the Over the Mountain Journal's coach of the year. The Jaguars came up just short of winning a state championship, falling in two games to Fairhope in Montgomery. Hawkins had no seniors on this year's squad "I'm very grateful for my players," she said. "My parents. Our community. They … [Read more...]
Players of the Year, Holt and Barker Led Spain Park’s Winning Season
By Blake Ells This season, the Over the Mountain Journal’s girls Player of the Year is shared by the foundation and future of what may be the state’s next basketball dynasty. Spain Park senior guard Claire Holt and Spain Park sophomore forward Sarah Ashlee Barker led the Jaguars to coach Mike Chase’s first state championship, just one year after falling in the championship … [Read more...]
History-making Finish for Jags
By Blake Ells Spain Park won its first girls basketball state championship March 3 in dominating fashion – a 56-26 victory over McGill-Toolen Catholic from Mobile. McGill-Toolen made just nine field goals against a team that had been preparing for that moment. The Jaguars were led by senior Claire Holt, who had 20 points, five rebounds and four steals. She knocked down three … [Read more...]