County Teams Battle Hard In State Tournament

By Clint Cox
Three Jackson County teams participated in this past week’s Dixie Youth Ozone State Tournament at the MERE Complex. Marianna, Malone and Grand Ridge all took the field on opening day to represent our county.
The Marianna All Stars served as the host team found the going tough in their two outings. In their first game they squared off against the West Seminole National All Stars. It was a close ball game for 2 ½ innings as West Seminole took an early 1-0 lead. But in the bottom of the third inning the Nationals got hot and plated 6 runs to make it a 7-0 ball game. Marianna countered with a run in the third inning as Austin Nelson drew a walk and then advanced to second on a bunt by Jared Hendrix. After making it to third base Nelson scored when Austin Torbett grounded out to third base. West Seminole came right back though with 3 runs in the fourth and 1 run in the fifth to make it 11-1. Hunter Eddins of Marianna supplied some firepower in the fifth inning as he stroked a home run to make it an 11-2 game. West Seminole added two more runs in the sixth to make the final 13-2.
Malone opened the tournament with a contest against Wewahitchka and gave up two costly home runs in an 11-6 loss. Those two home runs accounted for 7 of the 11 runs by Wewahitchka. Malone held an early 2-1 lead but fell behind 8-2 in the third inning. Harrison Floyd stroked an RBI single and Antwain, better known as TaTa, Johnson hit a 3 run homer to make it an 8-6 game. But Wewahitchka responded with another home run to seal the victory.
Grand Ridge took on Sebring on the opening day and saw the Sebring Streaks get hot in a 12-4 win. Sebring took an early 5-1 lead but Grand Ridge battled back to make it a 6-4 game. Cade Hall’s 3 run home run sparked the Grand Ridge rally. But Sebring pulled away with 6 more runs to take the win.
Day two of the tournament pitted Marianna against Malone in an all Jackson County tilt. Malone sent Jackson Reddish to the mound and he was nearly perfect, throwing a shutout and striking out 9 Marianna batters. Marianna only managed four hits on the day as Reddish faced just two batters above the minimum through five innings. Malone plated two runs in the first innings as Johnson and Zane Whitaker scored. Floyd had an RBI single to score Whitaker. It remained a 2-0 game until the fourth inning when Floyd and Dakota Shaw singled. Floyd scored on a grounder to first and then Johnson smashed a 3 run home run to make it 6-0. Malone got one more run in the sixth inning when Tyler Henry scored on another RBI single by Floyd. Marianna’s four hits came from Eddins, B.T. Johnson, Jeremiah Emanual, and Trent Charles. With the loss Marianna was eliminated from the tournament.
Grand Ridge bounced back on Sunday with a 5-4 win over West Volusia American. Dustin Sneads was the winning pitcher as he went the distance, striking out 5 batters and allowing 7 hits. Hall had another big day as he stroked two 2 run homers to account for four of the runs. Ryan Danford stole home to account for the other run for Grand Ridge.
That set up another Jackson County matchup on day three (Monday) as Grand Ridge and Malone hooked up one more time. They had played each other three times in the district tournament and Malone had taken two of the three games. The fourth contest however was all Grand Ridge as their Chris Green kept Malone in check for most of the game. Meanwhile the Grand Ridge offense brought their war clubs and pounded out 11 runs to post an 11-1 victory in four innings. Grand Ridge took an early 3-0 on a big 3 run home run by AJ Johnson. Malone countered with a run in the first when Antwain Johnson singled and then scored on a RBI single by Henry. Grand Ridge racked up three more runs in the second inning with singles by Sneads and Rudy Campbell. They added four more runs in the third inning, three of which came on a 3 run homer by Green. Their final run of game came on a solo home run by Hall, his fourth home run of the tournament, to make it 11-1. With the loss Malone was eliminated from the tournament. Grand Ridge found themselves as one of six remaining teams on day four of the tournament. But they also found the going rough in their outing on Tuesday against Liberty County as they fell 10-0 to conclude their tournament play.

Bulldogs Get New Head Football Coach

By Clint Cox
Marianna High School Principal Mary Sue Neves has announced the hiring of Steve DeWitt as the new Head Football Coach at Marianna High School. DeWitt will replace Rob Armstrong who recently accepted the Head Coaching job at Chipley High School. Armstrong had been at Marianna for the past two seasons.
DeWitt is no stranger to Marianna football. He is a 1982 graduate of Marianna High School and played quarterback for the Bulldogs football program. After attending Chipola Jr. College and the University of West Florida DeWitt joined the military. When he got out of the military he finished his education at Florida State University. His first coaching stint was at Graceville High School where he served as an assistant football coach during the 1998 – 2000 football seasons. In 2001 he came back home to Marianna and has served as an assistant football coach for the past 8 seasons. For the past three seasons he has served as the Offensive Coordinator. He has served as the Athletic Director for the past three years and indicated that he will continue in that role.
Armstrong brought the Wing T offense to Marianna two years ago and it has proved successful, as the Bulldogs have produced back to back winning seasons and made the playoffs both years. DeWitt said he does not plan to tinker with the offense. “We are going to stay with the Wing T. I’ve always liked to throw the ball but the past two years has sold me on the Wing T. I know that it may not always be the most fun offense to watch but we’ve been successful with it and the kids know the system,” said DeWitt. The 2009 Bulldogs look to have a solid squad with skilled players such as Fidel Montgomery, Tre Long, RJ Bowers and Chris Bowers returning. Throw in some experience in the trenches with the likes of Dalton Bennett, Tommy Stephens and Brandon Hughes, and you have the making of a pretty good squad. One of his primary initial tasks is to try and replace offensive line coach Adam Gray, who departed to coach at Lowndes County. At this late stage that may be difficult but DeWitt said they will work hard to find a line coach.
Returning to coach at one’s alma mater is always something special. DeWitt is eager to take the helm at Marianna. “It’s a privilege to have this opportunity. I’ve always wanted to be a head coach but the timing just never seemed right. This seems to be the right opportunity and as a Marianna graduate I am excited. I look forward to the challenge,” said DeWitt. DeWitt and his wife Becky have one son, Adam, who attends Marianna High.

Marianna Host State Tournaments

By Clint Cox
The local baseball action scene will be hot and heavy for the next two weeks as two different State Tournaments will be held in Marianna at the Optimist Park / MERE Complex. Starting this weekend the Dixie Youth Ozone State Tournament will take place and will run through Wednesday. Opening ceremonies will be held on Friday night and will include team introductions, a banquet, a home run derby and other festivities. Games will begin Saturday with three games schedule for 11 am and three games scheduled for 2 pm. A total of 12 teams will be participating in the tournament including three teams from Jackson County. Marianna, Malone and Grand Ridge will have teams taking part in the tournament. Marianna will take on West Seminole Nationals at 11 am. At 2 pm Grand Ridge will play Sebring and Malone will take on Wewahitchka . Other teams participating in the tournament include Chipley, Liberty County, Central, West Volusia American, Okeechobee and West Seminole American.

Next weekend, July 18 – 22, Marianna will play host to the Dixie Jr. Boys and Dixie Boys State Tournaments. Opening ceremonies will be held on Friday night July 17th and will follow a similar itinerary as the Ozone Tournament’s opening ceremonies. A total of 14 teams will play in the Dixie Boys tournament and 8 teams will play in the Jr. Boys tournament. A final listing of teams to participate in these tournaments has not been finalized yet as there are still some district tournaments that will be on going this weekend. Next week’s Times will post the teams once they have been finalized.

CHIPOLA PITCHER DRAFTED BY ANGELS

Patrick Corbin, the ace of the 2009 Chipola College pitching staff, has signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Corbin was selected in the second round of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft held in June.
According to an LA Times report, Corbin received a six-figure signing bonus. He is expected to join Single-A Orem, Utah.
Chipola has several connections with the Angels organization. Former Chipola pitcher Ryan Chaffee was drafted by the Angels in 2008. Tom Kotchman, a scout and manager in the Angels minor league system, played at Chipola in the 1970’s. His daughter Christal was a starting infielder on Chipola’s 2007 National Championship Softball team. Tom also helped draft Marianna native Jeff Mathis, brother of former Chipola player Jake Mathis. Jeff shares starting catcher duties for the LA Angels.

Dixie Youth Baseball Round Up

By Clint Cox

Many of Jackson County’s Dixie Youth All Star teams have been in action this past week with tournaments in Malone and Vernon. Malone has played host the AAA and Ozone District Tournaments and the Sneads All Stars got off to a good start with a 12-0 win over Quincy. Josh Baxley was the winning pitcher, going four innings and striking out 10 batters. On Monday night however things did not go so well for the Sneads squad as they fell 12-2 to Blountstown. Sneads trailed 2-1 in the bottom of the third when Blountstown blew the game open with 6 runs to take a 8-1 lead. Sneads added a run in the fourth but Blountstown countered with four more runs to seal the win.
Grand Ridge opened the tournament with a tough 4-3 loss to Altha. Mason Jackson’s 2 RBI single gave Grand Ridge two runs to start the game but Altha countered with 3 runs. Grand Ridge tied the game at 3-3 in the fourth inning when Jonathan Lombardo scored on a ground ball from Cade Hewett. But Altha sealed the win with one more run for the 4-3 victory. Grand Ridge followed that up with a big 11-2 win over Chattahoochee on Monday night. Dustin Shaw was the winning pitcher. Grand Ridge led 4-2 after one inning and then posted 8 runs in the second inning and one more in the third. Grand Ridge was scheduled to play again on Wednesday against the winner of Tuesday night’s game between Blountstown and Altha.
In Ozone action the Malone All Stars, the host team, won their opening game with a 10-4 win over Blountstown. Jackson Redding was the winning pitcher as he went 6 innings and struck out 9 batters. They followed that up with tough battle on Monday night against county rival Grand Ridge. Malone jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, plating a run in the first inning, two runs in the second inning and one more in the third inning. But Grand Ridge began to start chipping away at the lead with a run in the fourth inning. They plated three more in the fifth inning to tie the game at 4-4. Malone countered with two runs in the top of the sixth after loading the bases and Dakota Shaw’s ground ball to give Malone a 6-4 lead. Grand Ridge got runners on to start the bottom of the sixth and Ryne Danford’s bunt scored Zane Chason to tie the game at 6-6. As the game went to extra innings Malone got two more runs after loading the bases and getting back to back walks. Grand Ridge trailed 8-6 going into the bottom of the seventh and after Malone turned a double play, Grand Ridge looked like they might be out of luck. But a two run home run by Cade Hall tied the game at 8-8. Chason then stroked a single and A.J. Johnson’s RBI singled scored Chason for the game winning run.
Over in Vernon three Jackson County teams took part in their District Tournament. Graceville opened up with two wins as they beat Holmes County and then beat the host team Vernon in round two. Cottondale rallied for a 19-18 win over Chipley in round one but then fell 22-2 to Marianna in round two. Marianna had beaten South Walton 13-3 in their opening round contest.

Tigers Down Hornets in Summer Hoops

By Clint Cox

Malone and Cottondale were the county’s representatives this past Tuesday night in the summer high school hoops action at Marianna High School’s Gymnasium. Malone fell in the opening game of the evening as Port St. Joe clipped the Tigers by a score of 59-46. In game two Cottondale posted a three point win over the Tigers of Chipley with a 39-36 win. In game three of the evening the two county schools squared off against each other and even though it is summer ball, it was a typical Jackson County hoops affair.
In a close first half Cottondale took a 24-23 lead at the close of the half. Malone countered to begin the second half as T.J. Smith got hot and the Tigers reeled off 12 unanswered points to take a 35-24 lead. Cottondale responded with a run of their own to battle back. Cody Saye’s bucket with 7 minutes left in the second half made it a two point game at 41-39. But Malone went on another run led by Smith and Marcus Leonard. With two minutes to play in the game Malone held a 53-43 lead and went on to a 56-47 victory.
The June Summer basketball League is winding down as Marianna, Malone and Graceville will all be in action on Thursday (June 25th) for the final time. Sneads and Cottondale will close out the league next Tuesday night (June 30th).

2nd Annual Canoeing Fund Raiser For the Fight Against Cancer….Another Great Success Story

Contributed Story, By Sheila Hayes

What a great day we had! We started at Spring Creek Park at 9:00 a.m., canoes and kayaks in tow, and headed to Magnolia Bridge, a three-mile trip. I want to say many thanks to all the Chipola River Rats and to all the gracious Jackson county folks who came out and supported a great cause.

I am writing this article from paradise just up from Hwy. 20 Bridge with two of the best women I know, Peggy “wildcat” Oliver, and Shirley “Rebel” Sims. We are all soaking up all the beauty that the Chipola River has to offer. It was another great cane trip with a great bunch of givers. We all canoed this trip for our friends and our loved ones who have survived cancer and, for those that have lost their battle we also do it to keep their memory alive.

As I was floating down Spring Creek with my wonderful strong mother, who is now 2 years cancer free, we just embraced every person we came in contact with. My mother has always told me you can do whatever you want to as long as you put your heart behind it. That’s why we have canoeing for the fight against cancer. You’ve got to give back to others. I just want ya’ll to know that all the donations which we made, which were $200.00 more than last year, have gone to two great causes.

Half of the money went to a very strong, loving woman who has cancer, and was so sweet to help me with this canoe trip, and we also split the money with all the angels at Covent Hospice, and the great thing is - all the money stays right here in Jackson county.

So as I am sitting on this houseboat remembering our great canoe trip and all the wonderful folks that helped me along the way, I want to Thank each of you for making this trip a success. Ya’ll, you’ve got to keeping helping others every day from the bottom of my heart, I want to say, “We all did a good thing with loving hearts, and, it doesn’t get any better than that Until next year, keep on giving. Thanks honey for always helping me with my ideas!”

Conrad Signs With Surry

By Clint Cox

Malone’s three sport athlete Aaron Conrad recently signed a letter of intent to attend Surry Community College in Dobson, North Carolina on a baseball scholarship. Conrad, who played third base, centerfield and pitched, help lead the Tigers to a District Championship this past season. The Tigers advanced all the way to the Regional Finals before falling to Eagles View in Jacksonville to finish the season 17-6. For the season Conrad batted .423 with 4 home runs and 33 RBI. On the mound he went 6-3 with an ERA of 5.03. He also picked up two saves in 47 1/3 innings of work, striking out 64 batters and giving up just 17 walks.

Conrad knows he has been offered a great opportunity. “It’s a once in a lifetime chance. We don’t get these kinds of opportunities real often coming from a small school,” said Conrad. His baseball coach, Max Harkrider, thinks Conrad can get even better at the collegiate level. “Aaron is a real good player and I think his best days are ahead of him. He played three sports at Malone (soccer, basketball, baseball) and once he concentrates on baseball, he has all the potential in the world,” Harkrider commented.

Conrad is the son of Jimmy Conrad and Robin Calloway. His grandparents are James and Phyllis Conrad and Jimmy and Ann Kirkland. At Malone he lettered four years in Basketball and Baseball and two years in Soccer.

Marianna High Quarterback Club Is Hosting Annual Golf Tournament Fund Raising Event

At Caverns Golf Course, Saturday, June 27
By Sid Riley

Calling all Marianna Football Fans and Supporters!! Come out for a day of fun, competition, tall tales, memories of events of yesteryear, hot dogs and burgers, and general good time fun. On Saturday morning, June 27, starting at 8:00 a three man scramble, handicap golf event will begin as a major fund raising effort for the Marianna Quarterback Club. Your participation and support is needed!

Hole sponsors and donations are also appreciated. Contact Rex Torbett at 718-2525 or Brian and Larry McKeithan at the course, 482-4257. Sign up today!

Team Dynamic Competes In Wakulla

By Michelle Taylor Reed

Saturday, June 6, four members of the Team Dynamic Youth Wrestling Team along with Coach Ron Thoreson traveled to River Springs Middle School to compete in a USA sanctioned tournament. A wrestler’s Saturday typically begins very early either with a road trip or set up for a home competition. Expectations were high among Team Dynamic in the wake of the successful tournament held in Marianna last Saturday.

Micah Carr, (13) competed at 207 lbs. Micah went 0-2 losing one bout to a pin-fall in the first period. Going all three periods in the second bout Micah persisted and was out-scored by his opponent 0-7. This was Micah’s second tournament and he placed second. Team Dynamic looks forward to watching his development over the next year. Dylan (Red) Reed (15) competed at 187 lbs. Dylan went 0-3 by pin-fall in official bouts and won an exhibition match outscoring his opponent 5-3. In spite of impressive reversals and high-flyers the first and second bouts resulted in a pin by his opponent. In his third grapple, Dylan stood opposite Caleb Menefee from Milton, FL. once again. After a failed attempt at a bear-hug re-roll by Dylan, Caleb pinned him in the first period.

Alex Winskey competed at 178 lbs. Alex went 1-1 and took second place. Winskey used a far-knee/far-ankle to break down and gain control over his opponent in the first bout out-scoring 3-2. The second bout resulted in loss by pinfall. Nick Johns competed at 113 lbs. With some quick reversals, Nick completely dominated his opponent in the first bout winning by pin-fall. Johns was pinned in the second and then outscored 7-4 in the third bout.

Next week, three of Team Dynamic will be attending the Teague Moore Wrestling Camp at J.R. Arnold High School. We wait with great anticipation to see how much our young wrestlers learn and how motivated they will be after working with this champion wrestler for the whole week.