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.

Summer Boys Basketball Schedule – Week Three –

Thursday June 11
4:00 pm Malone vs Chipley
5:00 pm Bay vs Sneads
6:00 pm Malone vs Sneads
7:00 pm Chipley vs Bay

Tuesday June 16
4:00 pm Marianna vs Bay
5:00 pm Graceville vs Sneads
6:00 pm Marianna vs Sneads
7:00 pm Graceville vs Bay

All Games Played At
Marianna High School

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Our Chamber Ambassadors are hard at work organizing the First Annual Historic Russ House Endowment Fund Golf Tournament scheduled for Thursday, June 18th, at Indian Springs Golf Club.

Ambassadors David Malloy of Action Realty and Ben Odom of CountryLand Realty, have been working overtime to promote the golf tournament and sign up sponsors and participants. Both David and Ben report that interest is high and participation is growing.

If you are a golf fan, a fan of the Historic Russ House, or a business wanting to get your name in front of prospects and customers, then you need to contact Ben Odom at CountryLand, David Malloy at Action Realty, or call the Chamber for more information about participating in this wonderful event.

2009 Summer Volleyball Marianna High School Volleyball Camp

Thursday and Friday
June 18th and 19th
8:00 am – 12:00
5th – 12th grades

This camp is for individual instruction for volleyball fundamentals including passing, hitting, setting, blocking, serving and defense. Players will be grouped based on skill level and experience. There is limited space. If you are interested in attending, fill out the necessary forms and mail them to coach Belinda Christopher: 3095 Watson Drive Marianna, Florida 32446. You can also email Coach Christopher at: Belinda.Christopher@jcsb.org. Your daughter will not be able to participate without the proper Parent/Guardian Release forms signed.

Cost will be $50.00. Make checks payable to Marianna High School Volleyball.

Local Softball Talent Showcased

By Clint Cox

The Chipola Lady Indians Softball Program hosted the “First Annual Chipola District Showcase Game” this past Tuesday. The event featured some of the best local high school softball players within the Chipola District. Jackson County high school softball players that participated in the event were as follows: Cottondale – Elizabeth Krauser, Shanae Dickens and Selentia Pittman; Marianna – Hali Stout, Jennifer Cramer, Cayce Griffin, Eron Milton; Sneads – Karissa Childs, Kayla Kelly; Graceville – Shaquel Johnson, Brittany Flournoy and Kelly Leuenberger.

The event featured several competitions that included a Home Run Derby. Graceville’s Johnson made it to the final round with two home runs. She then stroked a homer on her last pitch to win the Home Run Derby. In the fastest running time (running to first base) the finals included Johnson and Flournoy from Graceville and Dickens and Pittman from Cottondale. Pittman took first place, Johnson was second, Dickens placed third and Flournoy finished fourth.

The final event included an All Star game with the participants divided into East and West teams. The East squad took the early lead and led 2-0 through four innings. The West battled back and going into the seventh inning the game was tied at 4-4. The final score saw Team East get a 7-5 win over Team West.

High School Hoops Update

By Clint Cox
Area high school basketball squads took to the floor this past Tuesday night for some summer time hoops action. In game one Marianna downed Graceville by a score of 49-36. In game two Port St. Joe got the best of Cottondale by a score of 58-45. The most exciting game of the evening was game three in which Marianna edged Cottondale 38-37. The game was tip and tuck for the entire contest but Marianna’s Tre Jackson got the Bulldogs a four point lead late in the game. But Cottondale battled back with buckets from Marcus Humose and Drew Bellamy to tie the game at 33-33 with just over a minute to play. Jackson nailed a three pointer to give Marianna a 36-33 lead but Dominique Webb pulled the Hornets to within one point, 36-35, with a basket with 19 seconds to play. Humose made it a 36-35 game for the Hornets but Jackson countered with a late basket to give Marianna a 38-37 win. The final game of the night saw Port St. Joe take a bit out of the Tigers of Graceville in a 81-45 win for the Tiger Sharks.

Chipola Head Basketball Coach Leaves for Southern Miss.

Chipola College men’s basketball coach Greg Heiar has announced he is leaving Chipola to take an assistant coaching job at the University of Southern Mississippi. He will serve under head coach Larry Eustachy. USM is a member of Conference USA. Heiar will have some familiar faces on the USM roster, as two of his top Chipola players—Torye Pelham and Gary Flowers—signed with USM earlier this year.
Coach Heiar led Chipola to four state championships in five seasons at the helm of the Indians program, compiling a 165-15 career record. Last year, his Indians finished third in the 2009 NJCAA national tournament. He guided the Indians to seventh place in the 2008 National Tournament. His 2008 Indians also set a school record for most wins in a season, finishing with a 35-2 mark. In 2007, Coach Heiar and the Indians finished second in the National Tournament.
Chipola President Dr. Gene Prough, said, "We are very pleased that coach Heiar will have the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a Division 1 basketball coach. We wish him and his family the best."
Prough said the process of hiring a new head coach will begin immediately and the athletic director and community will be involved in the search and selection process. "Right now, our primary concern is taking care of the student-athletes who have committed to Chipola," Prough said.
AND THE CHOICE IS…….
Assistant Coach Headrick Moves Into Head Coach Position
Let the Games Begin…..
Jake Headrick has been named head men’s basketball coach at Chipola College.
Headrick served as an assistant to coach Greg Heiar during the 2008-09 season and in 2006-07. Chipola president Dr. Gene Prough said, "Jake is a fine young man whose first concern is our student-athletes. He has an excellent record as a coach and player. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead our program."
Headrick said, "I am grateful for the opportunity to coach Chipola’s men’s basketball program. I thank Dr. Prough, Dr. O’Daniel and the community for the chance to continue the great traditions here." Headrick joined the Chipola basketball staff for the second time in 2008-09 after serving as an Operations assistant and video coordinator at Ole Miss in Oxford, MS. during 2007-08.
An assistant coach at Chipola in 2006-07, Headrick helped lead the Indians to a NJCAA runner-up finish and the most wins in school history (33). While at Chipola, Headrick coached National Player of the Year Jamarcus Ellis and a total of six players who signed Division I scholarships. Headrick assisted with on-floor coaching, recruiting and scouting at Chipola.
Before arriving at Chipola, Headrick served as an assistant coach at the University of Montevallo for one season, where he helped the Falcons reach the NCAA Division II Elite Eight and set a school record for victories with 29. At Montevallo, Headrick coached the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year James Hall and two All-Americans.
A native of Hamilton, Ala., Headrick graduated from the University of Montevallo in 2005 with a B.S. in Kinesiology. A two-year letterman for the Falcons, Headrick helped the team win back-to-back Gulf South Conference championships and reach the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen both seasons. Over his two seasons, Headrick helped the Falcons to a 49-16 record. He attended Bevill State Community College before transferring to Montevallo.
Headrick graduated from Hamilton High School in 2001, where he was a three-time all-county selection. He averaged 21 points per game his senior season and helped the team to its first 20-win season in seven years.