May 29, 2008
Many an athlete’s dream is to return to their Alma Mater and be the Head Coach for their respective sport. The same was true for Vernette Skeete. A standout player for the Lady Tigers basketball program at Malone High School, Skeete returned three years ago to serve as Head Coach. After a successful run as the Head Coach for the Lady Tigers, Skeete departs after this school year to serve as an Assistant Coach at Okaloosa Walton College in the Panhandle Conference.
Skeete is very familiar with the Panhandle Conference. As a youngster she grew up at Malone and watched the Chipola Lady Indians battle in the conference. After high school she played at Gulf Coast Community College under one of the best coaches in the nation, Roonie Scoovel. So while coaching at her Alma Mater has been a dream come true, moving up in the ranks to assistant coach in the nationally renowed Panhandle Conference is a step in the right direction. "Okaloosa Walton is a great program and Coach Walker (new Head Coach Bart Walker) is a great coach. I am looking forward to helping build that program back up in one of the best conferences in the nation," said Skeete.
Her tenure at Malone has carried on that storied tradition of the Tigers. In her three years her squads have made the playoffs all three years. In 2007 the Lady Tigers made it all the way to the State Championship game against Pine Castle. A missed shot by the Lady Tigers in the closing seconds of the game allowed Pine Castle to prevailed with a 38-37 win.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Dowling and Pirates Wrap Up Spring Football
May 29, 2008
The Sneads Pirates have a new captain at the wheel and it is former Marianna Head Football Coach Don Dowling. The Pirates completed their first spring practice under their new Skipper with a Blue and Gold inter-squad game last Friday night at Citizen’s Field in Sneads. With a large crowd on hand for the first edition of Pirate Football – Dowling Style, the Blue squad used a big night by Mark Lawson to post a 25-13 win over the Gold squad. Lawson rushed for over 200 yards and two touchdowns as he toted the mail 30 times. His first score came in the first quarter on a 40 yard scamper. The kick after by Faris Atef was good and the Blue squad led 7-0.
The Gold squad countered in the second quarter as Taylor Edge and Jeff Davis picked up good yardage. Midway through the second quarter Edge hit Anthony Dawkins on a 20 yard pass play for a Gold score. Atef added the point after kick to tie the game at 7-7. Late in the quarter Terrance Pittman bolted 20 yards for a Blue score to make it 13-7 at the half. Lawson opened up the second half with a 50 yard run to give the Blue a 19-7 lead. Jamar White picked up where Lawson left off for the Blue team with two long runs and then scored on a 3 yard run. Pittman added a 15 yard scoring run in the final quarter to put the Blue squad up 32-7. The Gold squad added a late touchdown when Edge dove in from the 1 yard line to make the final 32-13.
Davis finished the night with 100 yards rushing and Edge passed for 100 yards to pace the Gold squad. Terrance Green ran the offense for the Blue squad and Michael Kinard had a solid night on defense for the Gold squad. Dowling was pleased with the overall effort of his squad throughout the spring. "Practice has gone well. We’ve been putting in a new offense and that has taken a while. The kids are buying into what we are trying to do and that is great to see," said Dowling.
The Pirates looked to be strong for the upcoming season, especially at their skilled positions. Edge returns as a veteran quarterback while Lawson, Davis, Pittman and White should give the Pirates plenty of firepower at the running back positions. If the Pirates can solidify their offense and defensive lines, and then stay healthy, the 2008 Pirates will be right in the mix of their district race.
The Sneads Pirates have a new captain at the wheel and it is former Marianna Head Football Coach Don Dowling. The Pirates completed their first spring practice under their new Skipper with a Blue and Gold inter-squad game last Friday night at Citizen’s Field in Sneads. With a large crowd on hand for the first edition of Pirate Football – Dowling Style, the Blue squad used a big night by Mark Lawson to post a 25-13 win over the Gold squad. Lawson rushed for over 200 yards and two touchdowns as he toted the mail 30 times. His first score came in the first quarter on a 40 yard scamper. The kick after by Faris Atef was good and the Blue squad led 7-0.
The Gold squad countered in the second quarter as Taylor Edge and Jeff Davis picked up good yardage. Midway through the second quarter Edge hit Anthony Dawkins on a 20 yard pass play for a Gold score. Atef added the point after kick to tie the game at 7-7. Late in the quarter Terrance Pittman bolted 20 yards for a Blue score to make it 13-7 at the half. Lawson opened up the second half with a 50 yard run to give the Blue a 19-7 lead. Jamar White picked up where Lawson left off for the Blue team with two long runs and then scored on a 3 yard run. Pittman added a 15 yard scoring run in the final quarter to put the Blue squad up 32-7. The Gold squad added a late touchdown when Edge dove in from the 1 yard line to make the final 32-13.
Davis finished the night with 100 yards rushing and Edge passed for 100 yards to pace the Gold squad. Terrance Green ran the offense for the Blue squad and Michael Kinard had a solid night on defense for the Gold squad. Dowling was pleased with the overall effort of his squad throughout the spring. "Practice has gone well. We’ve been putting in a new offense and that has taken a while. The kids are buying into what we are trying to do and that is great to see," said Dowling.
The Pirates looked to be strong for the upcoming season, especially at their skilled positions. Edge returns as a veteran quarterback while Lawson, Davis, Pittman and White should give the Pirates plenty of firepower at the running back positions. If the Pirates can solidify their offense and defensive lines, and then stay healthy, the 2008 Pirates will be right in the mix of their district race.
Two More Bulldogs Sign
May 29, 2008
The Marianna Bulldogs athletic program had two more athletes sign letters of intent to play their respective sport at the collegiate level. In girls basketball it was Keela McKay, who will take her hoops game to Enterprise Ozark Community College. McKay has been a four year standout player for the Lady Bulldogs at Marianna and her current coach is Chucky Brown. McKay is the first Lady Bulldog in 10 years to sign a scholarship to play basketball at the college level.
In baseball, Brandon Gardner culminated many hard years of work and dedication when he signed to play baseball at Chipola for the Indians next season. As a three year starter for the Bulldogs Gardner helped lead the 2008 Bulldogs to a District Championship, a 19-8 record and a second round playoff berth. During the past season Gardner batted .360 with 12 RBI, 25 runs scored and 9 stolen bases. He also had a .502 on base percentage. After playing shortstop for two of his three years for the Bulldogs, Gardner shared time this past season at shortstop and third base. He was named as the Bulldog Freshman Most Valuable Player, made the All Big Bend Honorable Mention Team and was selected to the Panhandle Baseball All Star Classic on the East Team. In addition to his time on the baseball diamond, Gardner has demonstrated his athletic ability on the football field as well, holding down the quarterback and safety positions during the last three years.
Gardner is also just as dedicated in the classroom as he is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club an outstanding senior and honor graduate. He is the son of Dee Dee and Carlan Martin and the late Shane Gardner.
The Marianna Bulldogs athletic program had two more athletes sign letters of intent to play their respective sport at the collegiate level. In girls basketball it was Keela McKay, who will take her hoops game to Enterprise Ozark Community College. McKay has been a four year standout player for the Lady Bulldogs at Marianna and her current coach is Chucky Brown. McKay is the first Lady Bulldog in 10 years to sign a scholarship to play basketball at the college level.
In baseball, Brandon Gardner culminated many hard years of work and dedication when he signed to play baseball at Chipola for the Indians next season. As a three year starter for the Bulldogs Gardner helped lead the 2008 Bulldogs to a District Championship, a 19-8 record and a second round playoff berth. During the past season Gardner batted .360 with 12 RBI, 25 runs scored and 9 stolen bases. He also had a .502 on base percentage. After playing shortstop for two of his three years for the Bulldogs, Gardner shared time this past season at shortstop and third base. He was named as the Bulldog Freshman Most Valuable Player, made the All Big Bend Honorable Mention Team and was selected to the Panhandle Baseball All Star Classic on the East Team. In addition to his time on the baseball diamond, Gardner has demonstrated his athletic ability on the football field as well, holding down the quarterback and safety positions during the last three years.
Gardner is also just as dedicated in the classroom as he is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club an outstanding senior and honor graduate. He is the son of Dee Dee and Carlan Martin and the late Shane Gardner.
No National Repeat for Chipola
May 29, 2008
The 2008 Chipola Indians managed the first back to back state championship in Florida in 10 years. Their efforts to repeat as National Champions however ended on Tuesday with a 10-7 loss to Hagerstown CC. After opening the tournament on Saturday with a big win over Connors State, the Indians fell to Alvin CC on Monday. With those two losses Chipola was eliminated from tournament play and finishes the season with a record of 45-14.
Chipola jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against Hagerstown with a 2 RBI single from Adam Duvall that scored Chris Berroa and Eniar Atencio. Hagerstown came right back though in the bottom of the first inning to plate three runs and take a 3-2 lead. Chipola reclaimed the lead in the third inning as they plated three runs. Again Duvall had the hot bat as he stroked a 3 run home run to make it a 5-3 game. That lead held until the bottom of the fourth as Hagerstown exploded for seven runs on three home runs. Trailing 10-5 the Indians managed to narrow the gap with two runs in the top of the eighth inning. Ryan Chaffee stroked a 2 RBI single that scored Atencio and Duvall. But that was as close as Chipola could get and saw their season come to a close.
Monday’s loss to Alvin CC was also a 3 run loss as the Indians fell 11-8. Once again the Indians took the early lead as Berroa scored in the first inning on a wild pitch. Once again their opponent countered as Alvin came back in the bottom of the inning and scored three runs. They added another run in the second and third innings to lead 5-1. Chipola battled back in the fourth inning with a 3 run home run by Duvall. But Alvin roared right back in the bottom of the fourth with 3 runs to lead 8-4. Chipola plated a run in the fifth when Carlos Moncrief tripled to score Atencio. The Indians kept battling and tied the game up in the sixth inning. Jordan Lucas doubled to score Marc Bourgeois, Lucas later stole home and Atencio doubled to score Tyler Baumgarner. But Chipola could not hold on as Alvin came back with a run in the seventh and two in the eighth to capture the second round victory.
Saturday’s opening day win saw the Indian’s bring their war clubs as they hammered out a 22-2 win over Connors State. Baumgarner and Brett Maxwell both hit grand slams in the sixth inning as the Indians plated 15 runs in that inning alone. They had plated six runs in the first inning and lead 7-1 before their 15 run rampage. Moises Montero hit two home runs and Chaffee added a home run to round out the home run derby affair for the Indians.
The 2008 Chipola Indians managed the first back to back state championship in Florida in 10 years. Their efforts to repeat as National Champions however ended on Tuesday with a 10-7 loss to Hagerstown CC. After opening the tournament on Saturday with a big win over Connors State, the Indians fell to Alvin CC on Monday. With those two losses Chipola was eliminated from tournament play and finishes the season with a record of 45-14.
Chipola jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against Hagerstown with a 2 RBI single from Adam Duvall that scored Chris Berroa and Eniar Atencio. Hagerstown came right back though in the bottom of the first inning to plate three runs and take a 3-2 lead. Chipola reclaimed the lead in the third inning as they plated three runs. Again Duvall had the hot bat as he stroked a 3 run home run to make it a 5-3 game. That lead held until the bottom of the fourth as Hagerstown exploded for seven runs on three home runs. Trailing 10-5 the Indians managed to narrow the gap with two runs in the top of the eighth inning. Ryan Chaffee stroked a 2 RBI single that scored Atencio and Duvall. But that was as close as Chipola could get and saw their season come to a close.
Monday’s loss to Alvin CC was also a 3 run loss as the Indians fell 11-8. Once again the Indians took the early lead as Berroa scored in the first inning on a wild pitch. Once again their opponent countered as Alvin came back in the bottom of the inning and scored three runs. They added another run in the second and third innings to lead 5-1. Chipola battled back in the fourth inning with a 3 run home run by Duvall. But Alvin roared right back in the bottom of the fourth with 3 runs to lead 8-4. Chipola plated a run in the fifth when Carlos Moncrief tripled to score Atencio. The Indians kept battling and tied the game up in the sixth inning. Jordan Lucas doubled to score Marc Bourgeois, Lucas later stole home and Atencio doubled to score Tyler Baumgarner. But Chipola could not hold on as Alvin came back with a run in the seventh and two in the eighth to capture the second round victory.
Saturday’s opening day win saw the Indian’s bring their war clubs as they hammered out a 22-2 win over Connors State. Baumgarner and Brett Maxwell both hit grand slams in the sixth inning as the Indians plated 15 runs in that inning alone. They had plated six runs in the first inning and lead 7-1 before their 15 run rampage. Moises Montero hit two home runs and Chaffee added a home run to round out the home run derby affair for the Indians.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Zaxby’s Downs Grand Ridge in AAA Action
In action last Thursday Zaxby’s beat Grand Ridge 7-6. Ryan Reed pitched 1 2/3 innings and Jack Craven came in to close the game pitching 3 1/3 innings and striking out 9 batters! They pitched Lombardo 3 innings and Chatwood 2 innings. Maxx Harrell went 2-2 with a 2 RBI double and Landon Tharpe went 3-3 to lead Zaxby’s over Grand Ridge.
In the top of the 1st Tharpe lead off with a single and stole to 3rd base. Harrell then singled to score Tharpe.. In the top of the 2nd Kaelin Smith and Teyton Howell both walked and both stole to score on a passed balls. In the top of the 3rd Hunter Gilbert walked and stole to 3rd base. Tharpe singled and stole to 2nd. Harrell then hit a stand up double to the fence to score Gilbert and Tharpe. Harrell stole to 3rd and scored on a passed ball. Craven walked and stole to score on a passed ball.
In the top of the 1st Tharpe lead off with a single and stole to 3rd base. Harrell then singled to score Tharpe.. In the top of the 2nd Kaelin Smith and Teyton Howell both walked and both stole to score on a passed balls. In the top of the 3rd Hunter Gilbert walked and stole to 3rd base. Tharpe singled and stole to 2nd. Harrell then hit a stand up double to the fence to score Gilbert and Tharpe. Harrell stole to 3rd and scored on a passed ball. Craven walked and stole to score on a passed ball.
Chattahoochee Wins Grand Ridge May Classic Tournament
13-14 Year olds from Chattahoochee dominate eight team contest.
Eight baseball teams from a hundred mile radius gathered in Grand Ridge over the weekend to do battle in the "May Classic" 13-14 year old tournament at the town baseball complex. On Sunday, the following was the tournament line-up as the day began:
Panama City Tide (Winner) Vs. Alford
Marianna (Winner) Vs. Apalachicola
Chattahoochee (Winner) Vs Tallahassee Mt. Pleasant
Grand Ridge Vs. Bainbridge (Winner)
In the Alford/ Panama City game Alford held a comfortable lead throughout the game until the last inning when a four run rally by PC Tide ended the game with Alford losing 5-6. Caleb Toole pitched for Alford.
Marianna easily beat the Franklin County team with Jay Elliott pitching and Ryan Riley catching. Elliott pitched a no hitter in the 11-1 victory. Elliott helped his own cause at the plate by hitting a triple and a double. Riley, Birch, Melvin, and Golden were also leading hitters.
Chattahoochee established it’s dominance over Mt. Pleasant in a 12-9 victory with Davion Hayes on the mound. The team performance was sparked by the outstanding hitting of the entire Chattahoochee squad, led at the plate by Jonathan Lott who amazed the crowd with two towering home runs and a triple. One of the home runs was a blast that cleared the left field fence, traveled another fifty feet, and cleared the roof of a concession stand on another part of the sports complex. It traveled approximately 400 ft, an amazing feat for a 14 year old youth.
In the Bainbridge Vs. Grand Ridge contest, Bainbridge easily defeated the local squad 12-1 to move ahead to the next tournament level.
Round Two – Quarter Finals
Panama City Tide Vs. Marianna (Winner)
Bainbridge Vs. Chattahoochee (Winner)
Marianna defeated a hard fighting Panama City squad 9-8. Devon Ranew was the winning pitcher for Marianna. In the fifth inning Marianna found themselves behind 6-7, but in the next inning they rallied to add another three runs behind a double by Elliott. With a 9-7 lead by Marianna, the PC team came to bat in the last inning. They mustered another run, but fell short to lose to Marianna 9-8.
Chattahoochee’s bats finally proved too much for the Bainbridge squad as they fell to the powerful local team 15-6. This set the stage for the Championship Game between Marianna and Chattahoochee.
Championship Game
The starting pitcher for Marianna was Ryan Riley, and the starter for Chattahoochee was Taylor Woods. Chattahoochee quickly demonstrated their batting power when the lead off hitter Lazavior Attwater pounded one over the fence. They added another run after a walk followed by a single, to end the first inning with a 2-0 lead. Woods held the Marianna hitters hitless for the next four innings while Chattahoochee added three more runs. In the fifth three walks and some errors and passed balls allowed Marianna to score two runs. Trailing 5-2, Shane Blanton took the mound for Marianna in the sixth, with Jonathan Lott taking the mound for Chattahoochee. The game ended with a 5-2 score, Chattahoochee the Champions and Marianna finishing second out of the eight team field.
Eight baseball teams from a hundred mile radius gathered in Grand Ridge over the weekend to do battle in the "May Classic" 13-14 year old tournament at the town baseball complex. On Sunday, the following was the tournament line-up as the day began:
Panama City Tide (Winner) Vs. Alford
Marianna (Winner) Vs. Apalachicola
Chattahoochee (Winner) Vs Tallahassee Mt. Pleasant
Grand Ridge Vs. Bainbridge (Winner)
In the Alford/ Panama City game Alford held a comfortable lead throughout the game until the last inning when a four run rally by PC Tide ended the game with Alford losing 5-6. Caleb Toole pitched for Alford.
Marianna easily beat the Franklin County team with Jay Elliott pitching and Ryan Riley catching. Elliott pitched a no hitter in the 11-1 victory. Elliott helped his own cause at the plate by hitting a triple and a double. Riley, Birch, Melvin, and Golden were also leading hitters.
Chattahoochee established it’s dominance over Mt. Pleasant in a 12-9 victory with Davion Hayes on the mound. The team performance was sparked by the outstanding hitting of the entire Chattahoochee squad, led at the plate by Jonathan Lott who amazed the crowd with two towering home runs and a triple. One of the home runs was a blast that cleared the left field fence, traveled another fifty feet, and cleared the roof of a concession stand on another part of the sports complex. It traveled approximately 400 ft, an amazing feat for a 14 year old youth.
In the Bainbridge Vs. Grand Ridge contest, Bainbridge easily defeated the local squad 12-1 to move ahead to the next tournament level.
Round Two – Quarter Finals
Panama City Tide Vs. Marianna (Winner)
Bainbridge Vs. Chattahoochee (Winner)
Marianna defeated a hard fighting Panama City squad 9-8. Devon Ranew was the winning pitcher for Marianna. In the fifth inning Marianna found themselves behind 6-7, but in the next inning they rallied to add another three runs behind a double by Elliott. With a 9-7 lead by Marianna, the PC team came to bat in the last inning. They mustered another run, but fell short to lose to Marianna 9-8.
Chattahoochee’s bats finally proved too much for the Bainbridge squad as they fell to the powerful local team 15-6. This set the stage for the Championship Game between Marianna and Chattahoochee.
Championship Game
The starting pitcher for Marianna was Ryan Riley, and the starter for Chattahoochee was Taylor Woods. Chattahoochee quickly demonstrated their batting power when the lead off hitter Lazavior Attwater pounded one over the fence. They added another run after a walk followed by a single, to end the first inning with a 2-0 lead. Woods held the Marianna hitters hitless for the next four innings while Chattahoochee added three more runs. In the fifth three walks and some errors and passed balls allowed Marianna to score two runs. Trailing 5-2, Shane Blanton took the mound for Marianna in the sixth, with Jonathan Lott taking the mound for Chattahoochee. The game ended with a 5-2 score, Chattahoochee the Champions and Marianna finishing second out of the eight team field.
Bailey Signs With Chipola
On the same day that the Chipola Indians baseball team departed to Colorado to defend their National Championship, Lance Bailey signed on the dotted line to the Indian’s nationally renowned baseball program. Bailey is a senior at Marianna High School and is eager to join up with the Indians. "I am excited and am looking forward to being a part of such a fine program. I’ve got several friends already on the team and have a good relationship with Coach Johnson," said Bailey after his signing.
Bailey has been a member of the Bulldog’s baseball program for three years after moving here in the 10th grade from Liberty County. Bulldog Baseball Head Coach Andy Shelton said Bailey is very deserving of the scholarship. "I’m happy to see Lance move on to a program like Chipola’s. As a coach I’ve been fortunate to have a kid like Lance play for me. I certainly wish him the best of luck," said Shelton. During the past season Bailey helped lead the Bulldogs to a 19-8 record and district championship. He batted .330 on the year with 11 doubles, 11 stolen bases, 18 RBI and 19 runs scored.
Proving that he is just as dedicated in the classroom as on the ball field, Bailey was selected as the Salutatorian for Marianna High School this year. Bailey is the son of Jody and Tresha Bailey. He is the grandson of Howard and Jill Davis and the late J.L Bailey and the late Joyce O’Bryan.
Bailey has been a member of the Bulldog’s baseball program for three years after moving here in the 10th grade from Liberty County. Bulldog Baseball Head Coach Andy Shelton said Bailey is very deserving of the scholarship. "I’m happy to see Lance move on to a program like Chipola’s. As a coach I’ve been fortunate to have a kid like Lance play for me. I certainly wish him the best of luck," said Shelton. During the past season Bailey helped lead the Bulldogs to a 19-8 record and district championship. He batted .330 on the year with 11 doubles, 11 stolen bases, 18 RBI and 19 runs scored.
Proving that he is just as dedicated in the classroom as on the ball field, Bailey was selected as the Salutatorian for Marianna High School this year. Bailey is the son of Jody and Tresha Bailey. He is the grandson of Howard and Jill Davis and the late J.L Bailey and the late Joyce O’Bryan.
Spring Football Action
Three of the county’s four varsity football programs took part in Spring Football action this past week. The Graceville Tigers squared off against Holmes County last Friday night for one half of football and came away with a 14-7 win over the Blue Devils. The Tigers posted two scores in the first quarter to take a 14-0 lead. Leron Hoover scored on a 5 yard run and Justin Miles scored on a quarterback keeper. Holmes County managed a score late in the second quarter to make the final 14-7 in Graceville’s favor.
The Cottondale Hornets traveled to Liberty County on Tuesday night and found the going rough. The Hornets and Bulldogs played four 8 minute quarters with the Bulldogs coming out on top 21-0.
The Marianna Bulldogs headed south to Blountstown on Tuesday night and took on Port St. Joe for one half and then Blountstown for one half. The Bulldogs took an early lead against the Sharks as Dustin Larkin hit R.J. Bowers on a 11 yard pass for a score with 5:43 left in the first quarter. That score was set up by a 30 yard run by Bradley Battles. The extra point attempt was no good so the Bulldog lead stood at 6-0. A Bulldog drive late in the first quarter saw Quan Boykin pick up 16 yards and Battles pick up 20 yards. The drive ended, however, early in the second quarter when the Sharks picked off a Bulldog pass in the end zone. Port St. Joe took advantage of the Bulldogs heavy substitutions and marched down the field. With 8 minutes to play the Sharks took an 8-6 lead with a touchdown and two point pass play. Marianna had another possession but could not mount a scoring drive. Port St. Joe added a last second score to make the final 14-6.
In the second half of action Marianna once again jumped out to an early lead. On the first play from scrimmage Battles ripped off a 70 yard scoring jaunt. Fidel Montgomery added a two point run to make it an 8-0 lead. Moments later Boykin scooped up a Blountstown fumble and raced 65 yards for another Bulldog score. The extra point attempt failed but Marianna led 14-0. The Tigers got on the scoreboard with four minutes to play in the first quarter to trail 14-7. The Bulldogs put the half away with a 5 yard touchdown run by Kevin Lockhart with just under four minutes remaining to play. The final went Marianna’s way by a score of 22-7.
The Sneads Pirates, under new Head Coach Don Dowling, will conclude their spring practice season with a Blue & Gold game Friday night at Citizen’s Field starting at 7 pm. See next week’s Times for a complete wrap up and pictures of that inner squad contest.
The Cottondale Hornets traveled to Liberty County on Tuesday night and found the going rough. The Hornets and Bulldogs played four 8 minute quarters with the Bulldogs coming out on top 21-0.
The Marianna Bulldogs headed south to Blountstown on Tuesday night and took on Port St. Joe for one half and then Blountstown for one half. The Bulldogs took an early lead against the Sharks as Dustin Larkin hit R.J. Bowers on a 11 yard pass for a score with 5:43 left in the first quarter. That score was set up by a 30 yard run by Bradley Battles. The extra point attempt was no good so the Bulldog lead stood at 6-0. A Bulldog drive late in the first quarter saw Quan Boykin pick up 16 yards and Battles pick up 20 yards. The drive ended, however, early in the second quarter when the Sharks picked off a Bulldog pass in the end zone. Port St. Joe took advantage of the Bulldogs heavy substitutions and marched down the field. With 8 minutes to play the Sharks took an 8-6 lead with a touchdown and two point pass play. Marianna had another possession but could not mount a scoring drive. Port St. Joe added a last second score to make the final 14-6.
In the second half of action Marianna once again jumped out to an early lead. On the first play from scrimmage Battles ripped off a 70 yard scoring jaunt. Fidel Montgomery added a two point run to make it an 8-0 lead. Moments later Boykin scooped up a Blountstown fumble and raced 65 yards for another Bulldog score. The extra point attempt failed but Marianna led 14-0. The Tigers got on the scoreboard with four minutes to play in the first quarter to trail 14-7. The Bulldogs put the half away with a 5 yard touchdown run by Kevin Lockhart with just under four minutes remaining to play. The final went Marianna’s way by a score of 22-7.
The Sneads Pirates, under new Head Coach Don Dowling, will conclude their spring practice season with a Blue & Gold game Friday night at Citizen’s Field starting at 7 pm. See next week’s Times for a complete wrap up and pictures of that inner squad contest.
Chipola Set to Defend National Title
The Chipola Indians successfully defended their Florida state baseball title with a 6-0 win over Manatee CC in the championship on May 13 in Winter Haven. The Indians now turn their attention to the national tournament, which they won in May of 2007. Chipola (44-12-1) will begin defense of their national title, Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m. in Grand Junction, Colorado. The Indians will face the winner of the South Central District, which is Connors State (Okla.).
Chipola’s back-to-back state championships were the first since Central Florida CC won consecutive titles in 1997 and 1998. Chipola called on ace Ryan Chaffee who pitched a complete game to earn the 6-0 win over Manatee in the title game. He chalked up 18 strikeouts in nine innings. Chaffee was 2-0 in the tournament with 28 strikeouts in 14 innings.
In 12 seasons at the helm, Coach Jeff Johnson’s Indians have made it to the state tournament nine times with five appearances in the title game. Chipola won the 2008 state tourney and captured the school’s first-ever national tourney last season. The Indians finished second in the state tournament in 2005, 2002 and 2001, third in 1998, and among the top four in 2006.
All Chipola games will be broadcast on WJAQ-100.9, and are available at www.chipola.edu. Tournament information is available at www.jucogj.org
Chipola’s back-to-back state championships were the first since Central Florida CC won consecutive titles in 1997 and 1998. Chipola called on ace Ryan Chaffee who pitched a complete game to earn the 6-0 win over Manatee in the title game. He chalked up 18 strikeouts in nine innings. Chaffee was 2-0 in the tournament with 28 strikeouts in 14 innings.
In 12 seasons at the helm, Coach Jeff Johnson’s Indians have made it to the state tournament nine times with five appearances in the title game. Chipola won the 2008 state tourney and captured the school’s first-ever national tourney last season. The Indians finished second in the state tournament in 2005, 2002 and 2001, third in 1998, and among the top four in 2006.
All Chipola games will be broadcast on WJAQ-100.9, and are available at www.chipola.edu. Tournament information is available at www.jucogj.org
Monday, May 19, 2008
Old Football Coaches Never Die-They Just Lose a Few Yards
The Courtyard Nursing and Rehabilitation center in Marianna held its annual Hometown Heroes Celebration the evening of April 29th. Coach Alton Parris was one of four recipients of the award this year.
Mr. Parris coached football in Bristol, Cross City, and Cottondale. His most successful coaching years were the early 1960’s in Cross City where he coached the Dixie County High School Bears. The Bears had several great seasons winning the Suwannee Conference in 1964 and Coach Parris was awarded as Florida’s Coach of the Year. A thyroid illness led to a career change and Mr. Parris built swimming pools until, as he puts it, he just had to quit.
An effort to obtain pictures from Dixie Co. High School resulted in seven of his former Dixie Co. ballplayers, with whom he’d had no contact with since 1966, driving up to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony. Mr. Parris was proud and honored these former students/ballplayers remembered him with such fondness that they would drive the distance to honor him after 42 years. The former Bears stayed late, reminiscing about exceptional games, dropped balls, caught balls, 1960’s discipline and life’s lessons from "one of the best coaches ever". Coach Parris stayed right with the guys, recalling plays like it was yesterday.
The Parris family would like to express our appreciation for the care and concern for dignity given to our loved one by the professionals at the Courtyard. Thanks also to the Dixie County Bears alumni for showing or Dad how fondly his efforts are remembered and appreciated. Reliving "Glory Days" put a sparkle in his eyes and has given us all renewed hopes of recovery.
Dad says of the ballplayers, they were tough, and good. They beat some good teams that weren’t used to getting beat. Currently, Dad is more concerned with "getting a little more mobile". He says those guys have boats and they want to take me speckled trout fishing out of Horseshoe Beach, his old fishing grounds, located off the Dixie County coast.
Mr. Parris coached football in Bristol, Cross City, and Cottondale. His most successful coaching years were the early 1960’s in Cross City where he coached the Dixie County High School Bears. The Bears had several great seasons winning the Suwannee Conference in 1964 and Coach Parris was awarded as Florida’s Coach of the Year. A thyroid illness led to a career change and Mr. Parris built swimming pools until, as he puts it, he just had to quit.
An effort to obtain pictures from Dixie Co. High School resulted in seven of his former Dixie Co. ballplayers, with whom he’d had no contact with since 1966, driving up to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony. Mr. Parris was proud and honored these former students/ballplayers remembered him with such fondness that they would drive the distance to honor him after 42 years. The former Bears stayed late, reminiscing about exceptional games, dropped balls, caught balls, 1960’s discipline and life’s lessons from "one of the best coaches ever". Coach Parris stayed right with the guys, recalling plays like it was yesterday.
The Parris family would like to express our appreciation for the care and concern for dignity given to our loved one by the professionals at the Courtyard. Thanks also to the Dixie County Bears alumni for showing or Dad how fondly his efforts are remembered and appreciated. Reliving "Glory Days" put a sparkle in his eyes and has given us all renewed hopes of recovery.
Dad says of the ballplayers, they were tough, and good. They beat some good teams that weren’t used to getting beat. Currently, Dad is more concerned with "getting a little more mobile". He says those guys have boats and they want to take me speckled trout fishing out of Horseshoe Beach, his old fishing grounds, located off the Dixie County coast.
Nine Indians Join the Class of 2008
There was no more appropriate place to celebrate the individual academic accomplishments of the Chipola Men’s Basketball Team than the Milton H. Johnson Health Center. It was there on Thursday night that nine members of the 2008 squad joined 360 fellow classmates as candidates for graduation.
Sophomores Malik Allen, Joey Cameron, Mario Edwards, Clevin Hannah, Eddie King, Mario Little, Vernon Teel, Skyler Williams, and Decoya White found success both on and off the court during their time at Chipola.
"Chipola has laid the educational foundation for these guys and I am extremely proud of each of them," remarked Chipola head coach Greg Heiar. "Each one represents the ideal meaning of the word student-athlete."
In the previous four years for the men’s team, 24 of 26 student-athletes have graduated from Chipola. "Our track record of graduating athletes is a testament to the support from the administration, teachers, academic coaches, and the Academic Center for Excellence on campus," said Heiar.
At an earlier event, Mario Edwards and Clevin Hannah were both named to the 2008 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior College for outstanding campus leadership.
Sophomores Malik Allen, Joey Cameron, Mario Edwards, Clevin Hannah, Eddie King, Mario Little, Vernon Teel, Skyler Williams, and Decoya White found success both on and off the court during their time at Chipola.
"Chipola has laid the educational foundation for these guys and I am extremely proud of each of them," remarked Chipola head coach Greg Heiar. "Each one represents the ideal meaning of the word student-athlete."
In the previous four years for the men’s team, 24 of 26 student-athletes have graduated from Chipola. "Our track record of graduating athletes is a testament to the support from the administration, teachers, academic coaches, and the Academic Center for Excellence on campus," said Heiar.
At an earlier event, Mario Edwards and Clevin Hannah were both named to the 2008 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior College for outstanding campus leadership.
Chipola Guard Makes His Choice
Vernon Teel played on a very talented Chipola College Indians team this past season. Teel, a New York City native, will take his game to the west coast next season and play at Loyola Marymount and new head coach Billy Bayno.
Teel, a (FR) 6-foot-4 (190) combo guard, has three years to play for Loyola Marymount. Teel prepped at Laurinburg Institute back in 2005-2006 under then head coach Billy Reid. Vernon signed with Long Island University but never took the floor and sat out at LIU. Teel averaged 8.7 ppg, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season for the Indians.
Teel, a (FR) 6-foot-4 (190) combo guard, has three years to play for Loyola Marymount. Teel prepped at Laurinburg Institute back in 2005-2006 under then head coach Billy Reid. Vernon signed with Long Island University but never took the floor and sat out at LIU. Teel averaged 8.7 ppg, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season for the Indians.
Bulldog Trifecta
Three former Marianna Bulldog football linemen signed letters of intent to play at the college level last Friday before family and friends at the Bulldog Gymnasium. Kenneth Gray and Dylan Griffin signed with Culver-Stockton College while Brian Myrick signed with Mesabi Range Community College.
Gray is the son of Carolyn and Kenneth Gray Sr.. He is the grandson of Shirley Herndon and Henry Holmes and the late Essie and Eifie Baldwin. Griffin is the son of Angel and Bryan Griffin. He is the grandson of Ann and Carey Strickland, Percy and Marcelene Jones, Harold Barlow and the late L.C. Griffin. Culver-Stockton College is a NAIA Division 1 School located in Canton, Missouri. Their school mascot is the Wildcats and they are a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
Myrick is the son of Linda and Shepard Myrick. He is the grandson of Everlee Sinclair, Arlener Myrick and the late Shepard Myrick Sr.. Mesabi Range Community and Technical College is located in Virginia Minnesota. They are known as The Norse and are a member of the Minnesota Community College Conference.
Bulldog Head Coach Rob Armstrong spoke well of the young men. "We are very proud of the accomplishments of these three young men at Marianna High School and are excited about them moving to the next level. This is just the beginning for them and they have a lot of hard work ahead of them," Armstrong told the crowd.
Gray is the son of Carolyn and Kenneth Gray Sr.. He is the grandson of Shirley Herndon and Henry Holmes and the late Essie and Eifie Baldwin. Griffin is the son of Angel and Bryan Griffin. He is the grandson of Ann and Carey Strickland, Percy and Marcelene Jones, Harold Barlow and the late L.C. Griffin. Culver-Stockton College is a NAIA Division 1 School located in Canton, Missouri. Their school mascot is the Wildcats and they are a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
Myrick is the son of Linda and Shepard Myrick. He is the grandson of Everlee Sinclair, Arlener Myrick and the late Shepard Myrick Sr.. Mesabi Range Community and Technical College is located in Virginia Minnesota. They are known as The Norse and are a member of the Minnesota Community College Conference.
Bulldog Head Coach Rob Armstrong spoke well of the young men. "We are very proud of the accomplishments of these three young men at Marianna High School and are excited about them moving to the next level. This is just the beginning for them and they have a lot of hard work ahead of them," Armstrong told the crowd.
Indians Repeat As State Champs
The Chipola Indians may have finished second in the conference but a 5-0 run at the FCCAA State Baseball Tournament let the Indians claim back to back State Championships. The Championship game on Tuesday saw the Indians post a 6-0 win over Manatee. Ryan Chaffee was the star on the mound as the Niceville native threw a four hit shutout and struck out 18 Lancers. Carlos Moncrief led the way offensively with an RBI single in the third inning to give the Indians a 1-0 lead. The game remained a 1-0 game until the top of the ninth when Moncrief belted a 3 run homer to make it 4-0. Moises Montero added a 2 run homer for icing on the cake.
Head Coach Jeff Johnson was impressed with his team’s repeat run for a championship. "To win back to back championships with the level of play at these state tournaments is a testament to the dedication of these young men," said Johnson. His Indians improved to 46-12 on the season and now will prepare for a return trip to Grand Junction Colorado where they will defend their 2007 National Championship.
The Indians began play in the 2008 State Tournament on Friday and posted an 11-3win over Seminole in 7 innings. They followed that up with an 8-7 win in 10 innings over St. Petersburg on Saturday. Sunday’s victim was Manatee in a 13-9 contest. On Monday it was Panhandle Conference Champion Pensacola that the Indians had in their sights. Chipola eliminated their rival from the tournament with a 10-2 victory and moved on to the Championship game for a rematch with Manatee.
Moncrief was named the Tournament’s MVP after going 12-22 at the plate with 8 RBI and a home run. Other Indians swinging their war clubs well included Daniel Jones who went 11-16 with 5 RBI, Edmond Sparks who went 8-21 with 7 RBI and 2 home runs, Chris Berroa who went 7-23 with 5 RBI and Einar Atencio who went 8-22 with 5 RBI. Chaffee made two appearances in the tournament and in 14 2/3 innings of work he struck out 28 batters while giving up just 9 hits and 6 walks.
Head Coach Jeff Johnson was impressed with his team’s repeat run for a championship. "To win back to back championships with the level of play at these state tournaments is a testament to the dedication of these young men," said Johnson. His Indians improved to 46-12 on the season and now will prepare for a return trip to Grand Junction Colorado where they will defend their 2007 National Championship.
The Indians began play in the 2008 State Tournament on Friday and posted an 11-3win over Seminole in 7 innings. They followed that up with an 8-7 win in 10 innings over St. Petersburg on Saturday. Sunday’s victim was Manatee in a 13-9 contest. On Monday it was Panhandle Conference Champion Pensacola that the Indians had in their sights. Chipola eliminated their rival from the tournament with a 10-2 victory and moved on to the Championship game for a rematch with Manatee.
Moncrief was named the Tournament’s MVP after going 12-22 at the plate with 8 RBI and a home run. Other Indians swinging their war clubs well included Daniel Jones who went 11-16 with 5 RBI, Edmond Sparks who went 8-21 with 7 RBI and 2 home runs, Chris Berroa who went 7-23 with 5 RBI and Einar Atencio who went 8-22 with 5 RBI. Chaffee made two appearances in the tournament and in 14 2/3 innings of work he struck out 28 batters while giving up just 9 hits and 6 walks.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Gibson Headed to La. Tech
Brandon Gibson has been a player that has always delivered. As an 8th grader he made a bold prediction to his soon to be varsity basketball coach. "When he was in the 8th grade he told me that he would take the Bulldogs to Lakeland," said Bulldog Head Coach Travis Blanton. Gibson did just that this past season when the senior led the Bulldogs to a final four appearance in Lakeland.
Gibson will now take his game to the next level as he signed a letter of intent this past Friday to play basketball at Louisiana Tech. The 6’ 5" senior played center this past season for the Bulldogs and averaged 19 points per ball game and 11 rebounds. But Gibson will likely move into a wing position at the collegiate level and hooks on with a program that looks to be on the rise. "Their program is starting to move in the right direction and I think Brandon will fit in nicely with what they are trying to do," said Blanton. Blanton also acknowledged that Brandon has been more than just one of the guys on the team. "It has been a great honor to coach him the last 4 years and he has grown to be like a family member. I’m proud that he can now move to the next level and get a college education," Blanton commented.
Gibson’s mother, Torron Roulhac Gibson is obviously proud of her son. "We are very happy for this day. He has put in a lot of hard work and today he is reaping the rewards for all his hard work," she said. And as any good mother would have done, she is already preparing for frequent trips to Ruston, Louisiana. "I’ve already made the drive once and it takes 7 hours and 15 minutes. I’ll be going as much as I can," said Gibson. Brandon is also the son of Glenn Gibson and the grandson of Willie and Annette Gibson, Marinda Liggans, the late Elmer Roulhac and the late Bill Hayes. He is the great grand son of Sarah Spires and the late Willie Spires.
Gibson will now take his game to the next level as he signed a letter of intent this past Friday to play basketball at Louisiana Tech. The 6’ 5" senior played center this past season for the Bulldogs and averaged 19 points per ball game and 11 rebounds. But Gibson will likely move into a wing position at the collegiate level and hooks on with a program that looks to be on the rise. "Their program is starting to move in the right direction and I think Brandon will fit in nicely with what they are trying to do," said Blanton. Blanton also acknowledged that Brandon has been more than just one of the guys on the team. "It has been a great honor to coach him the last 4 years and he has grown to be like a family member. I’m proud that he can now move to the next level and get a college education," Blanton commented.
Gibson’s mother, Torron Roulhac Gibson is obviously proud of her son. "We are very happy for this day. He has put in a lot of hard work and today he is reaping the rewards for all his hard work," she said. And as any good mother would have done, she is already preparing for frequent trips to Ruston, Louisiana. "I’ve already made the drive once and it takes 7 hours and 15 minutes. I’ll be going as much as I can," said Gibson. Brandon is also the son of Glenn Gibson and the grandson of Willie and Annette Gibson, Marinda Liggans, the late Elmer Roulhac and the late Bill Hayes. He is the great grand son of Sarah Spires and the late Willie Spires.
Lady Indians Conference Champs; Indians Runner Up
Both the Chipola Lady Indians softball squad and the Indians baseball squad will be headed to their respective NJCAA Region VIII / FCCAA State Tournaments. The Lady Indians captured the Panhandle Conference Championship last Thursday when they posted a 5-3 win over Gulf Coast in game two of a double header in Panama City. Game one went the way of the Lady Commodores as they took advantage of a 2 run homer in the first inning and then held on for a 3-0 win. Game two would decide if the Lady Indians would be conference champions or have to share that title with Gulf Coast. Also on the line was a #1 seeding in the state tournament for their respective district. Chipola jumped out to an early lead as Carolyn Moore, Melody Moore and Chasity Covington all came up with hits and scored in the first inning to give the Lady Indians a 3-0 lead. In the second inning Destiny Covington and Casey Henderson each scored to make it a 5-0 game. Gulf Coast battled back with a run in the first, fourth and fifth inning but came up two runs short. The victory propelled the Lady Indians to 16-4 in conference play and 40-10 overall. They are ranked #4 in the state and #11 in the nation. The Lady Indians will begin play in the state tournament in Auburndale on May 2nd.
The Indians will advance to the state tournament as the conference runner up as they finished 2½ games behind the Pirates of Pensacola Junior College. Chipola concluded the conference season with a 14-6 mark after splitting with North Florida this past weekend. On Friday they hammered the Sentinels by a score of 11-1. Carlos Moncrief was the winning pitcher and Edmond Sparks had the hot bat as he struck two home runs on the day. On Saturday they fell 12-11 to the Sentinels as North Florida plated two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to capture the win. Moises Montero, Adam Duvall and Marc Bourgeois all hit two run homers for the Indians. Chipola will now prepare for state tournament action May 9-14 in Winter Haven. The Indians are currently ranked #4 in the state and #9 in the nation. Their current record stands at 38-12-1.
The Indians will advance to the state tournament as the conference runner up as they finished 2½ games behind the Pirates of Pensacola Junior College. Chipola concluded the conference season with a 14-6 mark after splitting with North Florida this past weekend. On Friday they hammered the Sentinels by a score of 11-1. Carlos Moncrief was the winning pitcher and Edmond Sparks had the hot bat as he struck two home runs on the day. On Saturday they fell 12-11 to the Sentinels as North Florida plated two runs in the bottom of the 9th inning to capture the win. Moises Montero, Adam Duvall and Marc Bourgeois all hit two run homers for the Indians. Chipola will now prepare for state tournament action May 9-14 in Winter Haven. The Indians are currently ranked #4 in the state and #9 in the nation. Their current record stands at 38-12-1.
Former Bulldog Standout and Coach Passes Away
Mack Rooks was a standout all round athlete for the Marianna Bulldogs in the mid 1940’s. He later saw a dream come true when he returned to serve as Head Football Coach at Marianna in the 1960’s. The Bulldog family was saddened this past week when news came that Rooks had passed away in Tallahassee. He was 78.
Rooks began his playing days at Marianna in 1943 as a freshman. During his junior and senior seasons the Bulldogs went 12-6-1. Rooks made the All Northwest Conference Team both years. One of his best games was against Chipley in 1946 where he ran for 4 TDs and passed for another. Rooks was also a fine basketball and baseball player at Marianna. After graduation he signed a scholarship to play football at Troy Teacher’s College (now Troy University). There he played football for 4 years and basketball for 3 years.
After graduating from Troy and then serving a two year stint in the military, Rooks went into coaching. He joined his former Bulldog coach, Grey Wilson, who was now coaching at Defuniak Springs (Walton County). Rooks became Head Coach in 1954 and served in that capacity for six years compiling a record of 27-20-3. In 1960 he returned to Marianna to serve as Head Football Coach and in his first season the Bulldogs went 8-2-1. They captured the Conference Championship and Rooks was named Coach of the Year. Rooks coached for five years at Marianna and only had one losing season. He finished his Bulldog coaching days with a record of 31-16-3.
In 1965 Rooks departed Marianna to be one of the original six employees hired to start Tallahassee Community College. He eventually rose to the position of Dean of Student Services and served in that capacity until retiring in 1988. In retirement he loved to spend time with his family, friends and neighbors. He was an avid Florida State Seminole fan and traveled frequently to road games for many years.
A memorial service was held last Friday in Tallahassee and several former teammates and numerous former players that he coached were in attendance.
Rooks began his playing days at Marianna in 1943 as a freshman. During his junior and senior seasons the Bulldogs went 12-6-1. Rooks made the All Northwest Conference Team both years. One of his best games was against Chipley in 1946 where he ran for 4 TDs and passed for another. Rooks was also a fine basketball and baseball player at Marianna. After graduation he signed a scholarship to play football at Troy Teacher’s College (now Troy University). There he played football for 4 years and basketball for 3 years.
After graduating from Troy and then serving a two year stint in the military, Rooks went into coaching. He joined his former Bulldog coach, Grey Wilson, who was now coaching at Defuniak Springs (Walton County). Rooks became Head Coach in 1954 and served in that capacity for six years compiling a record of 27-20-3. In 1960 he returned to Marianna to serve as Head Football Coach and in his first season the Bulldogs went 8-2-1. They captured the Conference Championship and Rooks was named Coach of the Year. Rooks coached for five years at Marianna and only had one losing season. He finished his Bulldog coaching days with a record of 31-16-3.
In 1965 Rooks departed Marianna to be one of the original six employees hired to start Tallahassee Community College. He eventually rose to the position of Dean of Student Services and served in that capacity until retiring in 1988. In retirement he loved to spend time with his family, friends and neighbors. He was an avid Florida State Seminole fan and traveled frequently to road games for many years.
A memorial service was held last Friday in Tallahassee and several former teammates and numerous former players that he coached were in attendance.
Rodriquez is Back on The Mats
Defying all odds, local wrestler Michael Rodriquez returned to the mats recently and the results of his first competitive match looked like they were scripted right out of Hollywood. After a year-long battle to recovery from a car accident less than a year ago, Rodriquez went to Palmetto Ridge two weeks ago and captured a USA Wrestling State Championship in the 145 pound weight class.
Rodriquez began wrestling at age 6 and his future was looking bright. After winning numerous tournaments and trophies along the way he entered high school as a top prospect. During his freshman season (2006-07) at Mosley High School in Panama City, Rodriquez was the District Champion and finished 8th in the state. His record for that year was 47-5. He followed that up with a USA Wrestling State Championship in Palmetto Ridge in the 135 weight class. He was right on track.
Then came the car accident on June 30, 2007. Rodriquez was a passenger in the car and the wreck tragically took the life of one of the other passengers, Mary Black. Rodriquez was in a coma for three days and suffered a broken hip plus bleeding on the brain. When he woke up he was in his parent’s bed and in addition to the other injuries, also suffered from neuropraxia. This left him with injured nerves in his back on the left side that made him unable to lift his left arm.
The long road to recovery began with him going to rehab twice a day for several months. But no progress was being made with his inability to raise his left arm. That’s when his father started doing some research and that led to him talking to a doctor in Paris, then a doctor in Minnesota and finally a doctor in Tallahassee. Michael then began going to see Dr. Russo, a Neuro Chiropractor in Tallahassee, five days a week. Things immediately began to get better and he also began training with Tim Ross, who is on the National Mixed Martial Arts Team.
In late March of this year he returned to the wrestling mats for practice. Friends from Mosley, along with his Dad and Brother Horacio, worked out with him. Wrestling practice for most folks is long and grueling. Rodriquez welcomed the opportunity to be able to practice but admits there were some fears on other family member’s part. "It was fun to finally get back to doing what I love to do, wrestling. I wasn’t scared but my mom was," said Rodriquez. Things progressed so well that he was ready to return to live competition in mid April.
When he hit the mats in Palmetto Ridge young Rodriquez proved something to his father. "When he first stepped onto the mats it was a little scary. But to fight the guys he fought and beat was impressive. I don’t know if I could have done that. Just having him step on the mat made him a champion in my eyes," said Michael’s father Horacio. Michael’s girlfriend, Kathryn Leflore videoed the matches while his mom Ada, still on pins and needles, watched nervously from the stands. When all was said and done, Michael did what he has done so many times before, brought home the championship.
But this time is was even more special as the past year has given him a new passion for the sport he has long loved. "It gives you a different perspective. You might think you are invincible but you’re not. I appreciate the gift God has given me. He has given me a second chance," said Michael. He also said he is fortunate to have so much support from his family and friends. ‘My parents have been great. And I want to especially thank my brother Horacio and my girlfriend for sticking by my side."
Rodriquez began wrestling at age 6 and his future was looking bright. After winning numerous tournaments and trophies along the way he entered high school as a top prospect. During his freshman season (2006-07) at Mosley High School in Panama City, Rodriquez was the District Champion and finished 8th in the state. His record for that year was 47-5. He followed that up with a USA Wrestling State Championship in Palmetto Ridge in the 135 weight class. He was right on track.
Then came the car accident on June 30, 2007. Rodriquez was a passenger in the car and the wreck tragically took the life of one of the other passengers, Mary Black. Rodriquez was in a coma for three days and suffered a broken hip plus bleeding on the brain. When he woke up he was in his parent’s bed and in addition to the other injuries, also suffered from neuropraxia. This left him with injured nerves in his back on the left side that made him unable to lift his left arm.
The long road to recovery began with him going to rehab twice a day for several months. But no progress was being made with his inability to raise his left arm. That’s when his father started doing some research and that led to him talking to a doctor in Paris, then a doctor in Minnesota and finally a doctor in Tallahassee. Michael then began going to see Dr. Russo, a Neuro Chiropractor in Tallahassee, five days a week. Things immediately began to get better and he also began training with Tim Ross, who is on the National Mixed Martial Arts Team.
In late March of this year he returned to the wrestling mats for practice. Friends from Mosley, along with his Dad and Brother Horacio, worked out with him. Wrestling practice for most folks is long and grueling. Rodriquez welcomed the opportunity to be able to practice but admits there were some fears on other family member’s part. "It was fun to finally get back to doing what I love to do, wrestling. I wasn’t scared but my mom was," said Rodriquez. Things progressed so well that he was ready to return to live competition in mid April.
When he hit the mats in Palmetto Ridge young Rodriquez proved something to his father. "When he first stepped onto the mats it was a little scary. But to fight the guys he fought and beat was impressive. I don’t know if I could have done that. Just having him step on the mat made him a champion in my eyes," said Michael’s father Horacio. Michael’s girlfriend, Kathryn Leflore videoed the matches while his mom Ada, still on pins and needles, watched nervously from the stands. When all was said and done, Michael did what he has done so many times before, brought home the championship.
But this time is was even more special as the past year has given him a new passion for the sport he has long loved. "It gives you a different perspective. You might think you are invincible but you’re not. I appreciate the gift God has given me. He has given me a second chance," said Michael. He also said he is fortunate to have so much support from his family and friends. ‘My parents have been great. And I want to especially thank my brother Horacio and my girlfriend for sticking by my side."
Barnes Tire Defeats Youngstown
On Monday evening the Dixie Youth squad from Youngstown tried to invade Optimist Park in Marianna. They went home after being defeated by a capable Barnes Tire team, 9-6. The winning pitcher was Ryan Riley, who pitched the entire game.
In the top of the first inning Youngstown drew first blood by scoring one run. In the bottom of the first, Barnes Tire responded by scoring two. Then in the top of the second, Youngstown again tried to establish dominance by scoring three runs after a series of fielding errors interlaced with one booming triple. Marianna was scoreless in their half of the second and it began to look like Youngstown was in control.
In the third Youngstown added two more runs while Barnes Tire only added one, making the score 6-3 after three with Youngstown ahead. In the bottom of the forth Barnes Tire rallied with several good hits, including a triple by Hughes, which resulted in a four run rally. In the fifth inning Marianna added two more runs to go ahead 9-6.
Youngstown tried to rally in their half of the seventh by loading the bases from a walk and a couple of errors, but Ryan Riley found the groove and struck out the last two threatening batters for Youngstown to seal the victory for Barnes Tire.
In the top of the first inning Youngstown drew first blood by scoring one run. In the bottom of the first, Barnes Tire responded by scoring two. Then in the top of the second, Youngstown again tried to establish dominance by scoring three runs after a series of fielding errors interlaced with one booming triple. Marianna was scoreless in their half of the second and it began to look like Youngstown was in control.
In the third Youngstown added two more runs while Barnes Tire only added one, making the score 6-3 after three with Youngstown ahead. In the bottom of the forth Barnes Tire rallied with several good hits, including a triple by Hughes, which resulted in a four run rally. In the fifth inning Marianna added two more runs to go ahead 9-6.
Youngstown tried to rally in their half of the seventh by loading the bases from a walk and a couple of errors, but Ryan Riley found the groove and struck out the last two threatening batters for Youngstown to seal the victory for Barnes Tire.
“General Lee” Visits Caverns Golf Course
This "General Lee" is owned by Kim and Lenny Lindahl of Bascom. They restored the vintage car which was painted by Michiel John of Malone. It took almost five years of work to finish the job. They attended a Dukes of Hazard in Tennessee a few years ago where some 100 "General Lee’s" were present. On Saturday morning our local "General Lee" was at the Caverns Golf Course.
Monday Night Action at the MERE
Several teams were in action on Monday night at the MERE. In 9 & 10 year old action People’s First prevailed over the Optimist by a score of 9-6. Evan Barber and Garrison Melzer led People’s First in hitting while Austin Torbett had a triple and 4 RBI for the Optimist. Jared Hendrix also had a hit and RBI for the Optimist, who fell to 2-4 on the season. Peoples First improved to 2-3-2 on the year.
In the night capper the Kiwanis took on Zaxby’s and posted a 13-8 win. Brandon Reed had an inside the park home run for the Kiwanis while Max Harrell had a 3 RBI double for Zaxby’s. Hunter Eddins started the game on the mound for the Kiwanis and was relieved by Aaron Williams in the third inning. Jack Craven started the game for Zaxby’s and was relieved by Harrell in the third inning.
In the night capper the Kiwanis took on Zaxby’s and posted a 13-8 win. Brandon Reed had an inside the park home run for the Kiwanis while Max Harrell had a 3 RBI double for Zaxby’s. Hunter Eddins started the game on the mound for the Kiwanis and was relieved by Aaron Williams in the third inning. Jack Craven started the game for Zaxby’s and was relieved by Harrell in the third inning.
Former Lady Bulldogs Get More Post Season Awards
Two former Marianna Lady Bulldog softball players received more post season awards recently. Whitney Ward, who plays right field for the Pensacola Lady Pirates, is the recipient of the 2008 Jean Williams Award. Ward, the daughter of Allen and Laurie Ward of Marianna has a 4.0 GPA. Ward also was recently named to the Panhandle All Conference Second Team.
Mary Helen Tyler, who plays centerfield for the Tallahassee Lady Eagles, helped led her team to the Gulf District Championship and a berth in the NJCAA National Softball Tournament. In their two wins Sunday over Pensacola Tyler went 5-9 with 6 RBI and 2 runs scored. For her outstanding play in the entire tournament Tyler was selected to the Gulf District All Tournament Team and the FCCAA All Tournament Team. Tyler, the daughter of Jim and Angie Tyler of Marianna, also recently was named to the Panhandle All Conference First Team.
Mary Helen Tyler, who plays centerfield for the Tallahassee Lady Eagles, helped led her team to the Gulf District Championship and a berth in the NJCAA National Softball Tournament. In their two wins Sunday over Pensacola Tyler went 5-9 with 6 RBI and 2 runs scored. For her outstanding play in the entire tournament Tyler was selected to the Gulf District All Tournament Team and the FCCAA All Tournament Team. Tyler, the daughter of Jim and Angie Tyler of Marianna, also recently was named to the Panhandle All Conference First Team.
Lady Indians Ousted From State Tournament
The Chipola Lady Indians, 2007 defending State and National Champions, were eliminated from state tournament play last Saturday in Auburndale. After capturing the 2008 Panhandle Conference Championship, the Lady Indians traveled to Central Florida only to find themselves mostly squaring off against their conference rivals. After downing Polk Community College 8-2 in Friday’s opening game, Chipola’s next three games were against Panhandle Conference rivals Pensacola, Gulf Coast and then Tallahassee.
Polk jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but Chipola rallied with a 3 run home run from Tera Gainer to take a 4-2 lead after one inning. Melody Moore had a 3 RBI double in the second inning to make it 7-2. Moore added a solo home run in the fifth inning for the final Lady Indian score. In game two of Friday the Lady Indians took on the Lady Pirates of Pensacola, a team they beat four times during the conference scheduled. Pensacola got a fine pitching performance from Juliane Beaugh and jumped out to an early lead with a couple of home runs. Chipola tried to get a rally going late in the game but came up short by a score of 8-4.
On Saturday the Lady Indians started with a contest against Gulf Coast and put the Lady Commodores away 5-0. Amber Weeks had a stellar pitching performance as the Lady Indians eliminated Gulf Coast from the tournament. Chipola plated 3 runs in the fourth inning as Monica Kennedy and Destiny Covington both singled to bring home three Lady Indians. Tera Gainer’s two run home run in the fifth inning made it a 5-0 game.
They next took on the final Panhandle Conference team at the tournament in Tallahassee. Chipola took an early lead in the contest as Chasity Covington scored on an error in the second inning. Covington added a solo home run, her second of the tournament, in the sixth inning to make it a 2-0 game going into the bottom of the seventh inning. Tallahassee managed to tie the game at 2-2 and then former Marianna Lady Bulldog Mary Helen Tyler scored the game winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning.
Chipola finished the season with a record of 42-12. Destiny Covington was selected to the Gulf District All Tournament Team.
Polk jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but Chipola rallied with a 3 run home run from Tera Gainer to take a 4-2 lead after one inning. Melody Moore had a 3 RBI double in the second inning to make it 7-2. Moore added a solo home run in the fifth inning for the final Lady Indian score. In game two of Friday the Lady Indians took on the Lady Pirates of Pensacola, a team they beat four times during the conference scheduled. Pensacola got a fine pitching performance from Juliane Beaugh and jumped out to an early lead with a couple of home runs. Chipola tried to get a rally going late in the game but came up short by a score of 8-4.
On Saturday the Lady Indians started with a contest against Gulf Coast and put the Lady Commodores away 5-0. Amber Weeks had a stellar pitching performance as the Lady Indians eliminated Gulf Coast from the tournament. Chipola plated 3 runs in the fourth inning as Monica Kennedy and Destiny Covington both singled to bring home three Lady Indians. Tera Gainer’s two run home run in the fifth inning made it a 5-0 game.
They next took on the final Panhandle Conference team at the tournament in Tallahassee. Chipola took an early lead in the contest as Chasity Covington scored on an error in the second inning. Covington added a solo home run, her second of the tournament, in the sixth inning to make it a 2-0 game going into the bottom of the seventh inning. Tallahassee managed to tie the game at 2-2 and then former Marianna Lady Bulldog Mary Helen Tyler scored the game winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning.
Chipola finished the season with a record of 42-12. Destiny Covington was selected to the Gulf District All Tournament Team.
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