Sneads Recreation Association is Registering for:
FOOTBALL $70.00 ~ CHEERLEADING $100.00 ~ SOCCER $65.00
Location: Adam Tucker Wilson Ball Park (Pavilion) Sneads
Date Time
August 03, 2009 5: 30 P.M (Monday)
August 04, 2009 5:30 P.M (Tuesday)
August 06, 2009 5:30 P.M (Thursday)
August 07, 2009 5:30 P.M (Friday)
August 08, 2009 9:00 A.M (Saturday)
August 10, 2009 5:30 P.M (Monday)
August 11, 2009 5:30 P.M (Tuesday)
August 13, 2009 5:30 P.M (Thursday)
August 14, 2009 5:30 P.M (Friday)
August 15, 2009 9:00 A.M (Saturday)
***Registration time will end one hour after starting time***
***Need Birth Certificate for Football Registration***
***$10.00 of cost is City User Fee***
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Soccer Registration
Marianna Recreation Department will offer 5 soccer leagues to give boys and girls the opportunity to play soccer. Registration for youth ages 5 to 18 will be held August 3rd through the August 28th from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at The Marianna Educational and Recreational Expo (MERE) located at 3625 Caverns Road in Marianna. The registration fee for soccer is $30 for participants who live inside the City limits of Marianna and $45 for participants who live outside the City limits of Marianna. The fee must be paid with a check or money order, no cash will be accepted. Late registration will be held at the MERE from 4:00pm until 7:00pm August 10th (Monday) and 24th (Monday). No one will be allowed to register after August 28th. All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate. The age of all participants on August 1st of the current year will be the player’s age for the entire season.
The leagues and corresponding age limits are:
TINY MITES SOCCER LEAGUE (BOYS & GIRLS 5 & 6)
PEE WEE SOCCER LEAGUE (BOYS & GIRLS 7 to 8)
MIDGET SOCCER LEAGUE (BOYS & GIRLS 9 to 11)
JUNIOR LEAGUE ( BOYS & GIRLS 12 to 14)
SENIOR LEAGUE ( BOYS & GIRLS 15 to 18)
The number of leagues and corresponding ages could vary depending on the total number of participants that register. Anyone that may be interested in coaching a team or officiating youth soccer please contact with the Marianna Recreation Department at 482-6228 or come by during registration .
Tri State Summer Championship
By Michelle Reed
Last Saturday, July 25, Coach Ron Thoreson and Team Dynamic Wrestling traveled to Wakulla, FL to participate in the Tri-State Summer Championship at Riversprings Middle School . Brandon “Rudy” Robinson weighed in at 145lb wrestled up to go 2-2 in the Junior division at the 152 weight class. After a loss by pin fall , Rudy started his second bout with a slide-by then a high-flyer and executed numerous take-downs to bring the 15 point mercy rule into effect ending the bout. The third bout was a loss by pin fall to the 152 State Champ from Wakulla. In Rudy’s fourth bout he demonstrated more high-fliers followed with single-leg take-downs and then a head and arm for the pin.
Dalton Hendrix competed in the Cadet division in the 160lb bracket to go 2-1. This was an incredible come back for Dalton. This was his first tournament after being side-lined six months with a shoulder injury during the high school wrestling season. He tentatively approached his first match going all three rounds for a loss at 8-17. However, Dalton found his shoulder to be strong and true during that first bout and was insurmountable in the following two bouts. In the second bout Dalton basically rode his opponent like a crab and used a power-half to end it in a pin. The third bout Dalton patiently worked the half-Nelson and pinned his opponent.
Thomas McClendon competed in the Novice division in the 95lb bracket. Thomas showed great potential and enthusiasm for his second tournament going 1-2. His first bout was a long hard fight against an experienced opponent persistently trying to work Thomas into a banana split which he fought off for two periods. Thomas then came back in his second bout to totally dominate his opponent for a pin. For his third bout, Thomas scored a take-down and a reversal but lost the bout 4-9. After his scheduled bouts, Thomas went on to exhibition matches to further his time and skill on the mat.
Izec Isabella, the youngest member of Team Dynamic to participate Saturday, competed in the Bantam division in the 55lb weight bracket. Izec was nothing short of an explosion at his second tournament going 3-1. Izec dominated his opponent in the first bout, carefully listening to Coach Ron Thoreson’s instructions and then executing them to win with a score of 10-0. Immediately after, the second bout was a loss by pin fall to the national champ for the 55lb bracket. Izec was consistent in his scoring during the third bout winning 11-1. His fourth and final bout was over as soon as it had begun with a speedy pin by Izec.
Brandon Tyus went 0-2 in the School
boy division at the 120lb bracket. Elijah Isabella competed in the Intermediate Division in the 65lb bracket to go 0-2. This was his second tournament. These boys showed determination and grit. We look forward to seeing how these young athletes continue to develop and use their skill. Dylan “Red” Reed was side-lined with a rib injury and unable to compete this tournament. Team Dynamic will take on more challenges August 8 at the Milton Summer Slam II over in Milton, FL.
Last Saturday, July 25, Coach Ron Thoreson and Team Dynamic Wrestling traveled to Wakulla, FL to participate in the Tri-State Summer Championship at Riversprings Middle School . Brandon “Rudy” Robinson weighed in at 145lb wrestled up to go 2-2 in the Junior division at the 152 weight class. After a loss by pin fall , Rudy started his second bout with a slide-by then a high-flyer and executed numerous take-downs to bring the 15 point mercy rule into effect ending the bout. The third bout was a loss by pin fall to the 152 State Champ from Wakulla. In Rudy’s fourth bout he demonstrated more high-fliers followed with single-leg take-downs and then a head and arm for the pin.
Dalton Hendrix competed in the Cadet division in the 160lb bracket to go 2-1. This was an incredible come back for Dalton. This was his first tournament after being side-lined six months with a shoulder injury during the high school wrestling season. He tentatively approached his first match going all three rounds for a loss at 8-17. However, Dalton found his shoulder to be strong and true during that first bout and was insurmountable in the following two bouts. In the second bout Dalton basically rode his opponent like a crab and used a power-half to end it in a pin. The third bout Dalton patiently worked the half-Nelson and pinned his opponent.
Thomas McClendon competed in the Novice division in the 95lb bracket. Thomas showed great potential and enthusiasm for his second tournament going 1-2. His first bout was a long hard fight against an experienced opponent persistently trying to work Thomas into a banana split which he fought off for two periods. Thomas then came back in his second bout to totally dominate his opponent for a pin. For his third bout, Thomas scored a take-down and a reversal but lost the bout 4-9. After his scheduled bouts, Thomas went on to exhibition matches to further his time and skill on the mat.
Izec Isabella, the youngest member of Team Dynamic to participate Saturday, competed in the Bantam division in the 55lb weight bracket. Izec was nothing short of an explosion at his second tournament going 3-1. Izec dominated his opponent in the first bout, carefully listening to Coach Ron Thoreson’s instructions and then executing them to win with a score of 10-0. Immediately after, the second bout was a loss by pin fall to the national champ for the 55lb bracket. Izec was consistent in his scoring during the third bout winning 11-1. His fourth and final bout was over as soon as it had begun with a speedy pin by Izec.
Brandon Tyus went 0-2 in the School
boy division at the 120lb bracket. Elijah Isabella competed in the Intermediate Division in the 65lb bracket to go 0-2. This was his second tournament. These boys showed determination and grit. We look forward to seeing how these young athletes continue to develop and use their skill. Dylan “Red” Reed was side-lined with a rib injury and unable to compete this tournament. Team Dynamic will take on more challenges August 8 at the Milton Summer Slam II over in Milton, FL.
TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR “BIG SAM” EVENT
“Big Sam,” Mitchell as he was known for more than 40 years of state service, will be honored at a ceremony, dinner and dance celebrating his life on Aug. 29 at the National Guard Armory in Marianna.
The event will pay tribute to the former Florida legislator’s legacy while raising funds to create a perpetual scholarship in his name at Chipola, where he played on the college’s first football and basketball teams in 1947.
Mitchell was a life-long friend of the late Chipola coach Milton H. Johnson. Both attended Livingston College (now the University of West Alabama) in the late 1940’s.
Mitchell began his coaching duties at Campbellton High in 1952-53 off with a bang with a first-year season record of 24 wins and only two losses. His coaching job was short-lived at Campbellton, however, as he was called to service in the United States Army.
Returning home from military duty, Mitchell established himself at Vernon High School, where he completed an overall career record as a basketball coach of 396-59. As a football coach, Mitchell compiled an impressive record of 113 wins and only 17 losses.
He distinguished himself as the only coach in Florida to coach both the basketball and football All-Star Games. He was chosen Florida Coach of the Year in 1957, and in football in 1960-61. Mitchell’s basketball team won the state basketball championship in 1957.
Mitchell was appointed principal of Vernon High School during the school year 1967-68 and served until 1977. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida High School Activities Association from 1968-1975, and was elected vice-president form 1975-1977.
He served in the Florida Legislature for more than 20 years, receiving many legislative awards. He completed his term as speaker pro tempore during the 1988-1990 sessions. After retiring in 1994, he worked with the Florida Lakes Department for three years.
Mitchell was born in Chipley in 1929. He married Nellie Henders on Sept. 4, 1951, and they had two children, Brenda and Sammie Jean. After retirement he settled down in Vernon, where he ran a small seafood business as a hobby, which allowed him to make new friends until his death in 2003.
The event will begin with a social at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Entertainment will begin at 8 p.m., featuring the world-famous Embers, the Raleigh, NC, band renowned for its exciting renditions of nostalgic “beach music.” Also appearing will be a 1960’s era band, the Villagers, which includes several Chipola alumni.
Tickets are $75 per person which includes a smoked-steak dinner and social hour.
For ticket information on the event, call Lillie Hamil at 718-2375.
The event will pay tribute to the former Florida legislator’s legacy while raising funds to create a perpetual scholarship in his name at Chipola, where he played on the college’s first football and basketball teams in 1947.
Mitchell was a life-long friend of the late Chipola coach Milton H. Johnson. Both attended Livingston College (now the University of West Alabama) in the late 1940’s.
Mitchell began his coaching duties at Campbellton High in 1952-53 off with a bang with a first-year season record of 24 wins and only two losses. His coaching job was short-lived at Campbellton, however, as he was called to service in the United States Army.
Returning home from military duty, Mitchell established himself at Vernon High School, where he completed an overall career record as a basketball coach of 396-59. As a football coach, Mitchell compiled an impressive record of 113 wins and only 17 losses.
He distinguished himself as the only coach in Florida to coach both the basketball and football All-Star Games. He was chosen Florida Coach of the Year in 1957, and in football in 1960-61. Mitchell’s basketball team won the state basketball championship in 1957.
Mitchell was appointed principal of Vernon High School during the school year 1967-68 and served until 1977. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida High School Activities Association from 1968-1975, and was elected vice-president form 1975-1977.
He served in the Florida Legislature for more than 20 years, receiving many legislative awards. He completed his term as speaker pro tempore during the 1988-1990 sessions. After retiring in 1994, he worked with the Florida Lakes Department for three years.
Mitchell was born in Chipley in 1929. He married Nellie Henders on Sept. 4, 1951, and they had two children, Brenda and Sammie Jean. After retirement he settled down in Vernon, where he ran a small seafood business as a hobby, which allowed him to make new friends until his death in 2003.
The event will begin with a social at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Entertainment will begin at 8 p.m., featuring the world-famous Embers, the Raleigh, NC, band renowned for its exciting renditions of nostalgic “beach music.” Also appearing will be a 1960’s era band, the Villagers, which includes several Chipola alumni.
Tickets are $75 per person which includes a smoked-steak dinner and social hour.
For ticket information on the event, call Lillie Hamil at 718-2375.
Summer Volleyball Wraps Up
By Clint Cox
The 2009 Summer Volleyball league at Marianna High School concluded this past Tuesday night and by all accounts was a big success. Over the course of the month of July seven different area high school volleyball squads competed against each other on Tuesday night at the Dog House. Jackson County teams that participated included the host team Marianna, Cottondale and Sneads. Other participants
included Blountstown, Liberty County, Chipley and Providence. The format for the league included two 55 minute matches. Two courts were utilized so four teams hit the floor each Tuesday night with two 55 minute matches scheduled. Teams would compete against each other for 55 minutes, usually playing about 3 games. The teams would then swap opponents for another 55 minute set.
All three of Jackson County’s representatives said the league, held for the second year at Marianna, is a great idea. Cottondale Coach Cassie Whiddon summed up the Lady Hornets as making progress this summer. “We are going to be really young this year. The summer league has really gone well and our ladies have made drastic improvements. We just got back from a summer camp at the University of Florida and that has helped a lot as well. Even though we are going to be young this season, we have high hopes,” commented Whiddon.
Sneads Coach Shelia Roberts said her squad also participated in the camp at Florida. “This was our fifth year going to that camp and we finished third in our pool. It was a really tough pool and we were very excited about how we played,” said Roberts. As for the summer league at Marianna it continues to fine tune her senior laden squad (five seniors). “We’ve played league ball in June down in Sneads with Blountstown and Liberty County. So coming here to Marianna just continues that process of trying to get ready for the season. This is a good league and it has gone really well,” said Roberts.
Marianna’s Belinda Christopher was impressed with the level of play this summer. “The league has gone great and we’ve had a real good response. There have been some top notch teams participating and that will only help everyone’s programs,” commented Christopher. As for the Lady Bulldogs, Christopher said they will be like Cottondale, very young. “We lost five of our six starters from last year to graduation so this will definitely be a rebuilding year for us. That’s what makes this league play so important, it gives everyone an idea of their strengths and weaknesses and what we need to be working on to get ready for the season,” said Christopher.
In first round action on Tuesday night Marianna fell 2-1 to Liberty County while Sneads downed Cottondale 2-1. In round two Marianna got a 2-1 victory over Cottondale while Sneads swept Liberty County 3-0.
The 2009 Summer Volleyball league at Marianna High School concluded this past Tuesday night and by all accounts was a big success. Over the course of the month of July seven different area high school volleyball squads competed against each other on Tuesday night at the Dog House. Jackson County teams that participated included the host team Marianna, Cottondale and Sneads. Other participants
included Blountstown, Liberty County, Chipley and Providence. The format for the league included two 55 minute matches. Two courts were utilized so four teams hit the floor each Tuesday night with two 55 minute matches scheduled. Teams would compete against each other for 55 minutes, usually playing about 3 games. The teams would then swap opponents for another 55 minute set.
All three of Jackson County’s representatives said the league, held for the second year at Marianna, is a great idea. Cottondale Coach Cassie Whiddon summed up the Lady Hornets as making progress this summer. “We are going to be really young this year. The summer league has really gone well and our ladies have made drastic improvements. We just got back from a summer camp at the University of Florida and that has helped a lot as well. Even though we are going to be young this season, we have high hopes,” commented Whiddon.
Sneads Coach Shelia Roberts said her squad also participated in the camp at Florida. “This was our fifth year going to that camp and we finished third in our pool. It was a really tough pool and we were very excited about how we played,” said Roberts. As for the summer league at Marianna it continues to fine tune her senior laden squad (five seniors). “We’ve played league ball in June down in Sneads with Blountstown and Liberty County. So coming here to Marianna just continues that process of trying to get ready for the season. This is a good league and it has gone really well,” said Roberts.
Marianna’s Belinda Christopher was impressed with the level of play this summer. “The league has gone great and we’ve had a real good response. There have been some top notch teams participating and that will only help everyone’s programs,” commented Christopher. As for the Lady Bulldogs, Christopher said they will be like Cottondale, very young. “We lost five of our six starters from last year to graduation so this will definitely be a rebuilding year for us. That’s what makes this league play so important, it gives everyone an idea of their strengths and weaknesses and what we need to be working on to get ready for the season,” said Christopher.
In first round action on Tuesday night Marianna fell 2-1 to Liberty County while Sneads downed Cottondale 2-1. In round two Marianna got a 2-1 victory over Cottondale while Sneads swept Liberty County 3-0.
Yesteryear - "Catgut Canyon"
Last week’s Yesteryear told the story of two men that grew up in Marianna in the 1940s and, along with their buddies, used to play in an area called “Catgut Canyon”. Those two men are Al Padgett and Charles Baldwin. Their childhood buddies were Jimmy Kynes, Mack Rooks, Frank (Archie) Harris and June Sims, all of which are now deceased. After many years of having little contact, Padgett and Baldwin recently hooked up again and soon the talk turned to that childhood hangout known as “Catgut Canyon”. The two, now both in their 80’s, vowed to make an effort to come to Marianna and find their old stomping grounds.
This past Friday both returned to Marianna along with their wives. They met up with the Times Sports Editor, Clint Cox, at the old Marianna High School. After reminiscing about the old school, the hunt began by heading toward Chipola College, which is in the general vicinity of the targeted location. The infamous Catgut Canyon was described as being north of Kelson Ave. and east of College St.. We spent about 30 minutes driving through the area of Kelson Ave., College St. and Watson Dr.. A few brief stops were made but the search party returned to Kelson Ave. and then turned north on Amelia Dr.. An opening to the wooded area was found so Padgett and Baldwin began conducting their reconnaissance. Of course everything seemed smaller and more grown up than they recalled. But a stream / branch was located and this served as a landmark. They spent about 30 minutes patrolling the heavily wooded area and believed they found the spot where they used to camp out for the night. But Catgut Canyon itself remained elusive. After the foot soldiers traipse through the woods they ended up back on Watson Drive. They called for re-enforcements to flank the woods and pick them up.
The search party convened for a strategy session and several ideas were tossed out. Maybe Catgut Canyon has been filled in over the years? Maybe it was back more towards Kelson Ave. or maybe it is north of Watson Dr.? Maybe they had not been to just the right spot yet? Someone noted that it was awfully hot and that the summer undergrowth was pretty heavy. And the foot soldiers had suffered one or two battle wounds during their reconnaissance. So a tactical decision was made to abort the mission at this time. Cooler weather in the fall would make for better scouting conditions. It would also kill off some of the undergrowth and bugs. In the meantime more intelligence could be gathered from the locals about the elusive canyon. So stay tuned, “The Hunt for Catgut Canyon” will resume when cooler weather arrives.
Al Padgett and his wife Billie currently reside in Tallahassee. After graduating from Marianna he went on to graduate from Florida State University. He went into coaching at the high school level, coaching football and basketball. He served as the Sports Editor at the Jackson County Floridan for about 1 ½ years and then spent 10 years as the Sports Editor at the Pensacola News Journal. Padgett left the newspaper business and went into the insurance business, where he retired after 20 years with AFLAC.
Charles Baldwin went to Davidson College, the University of Florida and Auburn University, where he graduated with a Veterinary degree. He served as a Veterinary in the Lake City area for 35 years before retiring. He moved to and lived in Costa Rico for the next 18 years. He and his wife Linda recently returned to the States and now reside in Fort White, Florida.
Next week’s Yesteryear will feature some more stories and memories about Catgut Canyon from our readers.
Send or drop off any pictures of your favorite sports memories to the Jackson County Times.
E-mail clintcox@jacksoncountytimes.net
Fax: (850) 526-1505
Phone: (850) 209-7319
Office: 2866 Madison St. Marianna
This past Friday both returned to Marianna along with their wives. They met up with the Times Sports Editor, Clint Cox, at the old Marianna High School. After reminiscing about the old school, the hunt began by heading toward Chipola College, which is in the general vicinity of the targeted location. The infamous Catgut Canyon was described as being north of Kelson Ave. and east of College St.. We spent about 30 minutes driving through the area of Kelson Ave., College St. and Watson Dr.. A few brief stops were made but the search party returned to Kelson Ave. and then turned north on Amelia Dr.. An opening to the wooded area was found so Padgett and Baldwin began conducting their reconnaissance. Of course everything seemed smaller and more grown up than they recalled. But a stream / branch was located and this served as a landmark. They spent about 30 minutes patrolling the heavily wooded area and believed they found the spot where they used to camp out for the night. But Catgut Canyon itself remained elusive. After the foot soldiers traipse through the woods they ended up back on Watson Drive. They called for re-enforcements to flank the woods and pick them up.
The search party convened for a strategy session and several ideas were tossed out. Maybe Catgut Canyon has been filled in over the years? Maybe it was back more towards Kelson Ave. or maybe it is north of Watson Dr.? Maybe they had not been to just the right spot yet? Someone noted that it was awfully hot and that the summer undergrowth was pretty heavy. And the foot soldiers had suffered one or two battle wounds during their reconnaissance. So a tactical decision was made to abort the mission at this time. Cooler weather in the fall would make for better scouting conditions. It would also kill off some of the undergrowth and bugs. In the meantime more intelligence could be gathered from the locals about the elusive canyon. So stay tuned, “The Hunt for Catgut Canyon” will resume when cooler weather arrives.
Al Padgett and his wife Billie currently reside in Tallahassee. After graduating from Marianna he went on to graduate from Florida State University. He went into coaching at the high school level, coaching football and basketball. He served as the Sports Editor at the Jackson County Floridan for about 1 ½ years and then spent 10 years as the Sports Editor at the Pensacola News Journal. Padgett left the newspaper business and went into the insurance business, where he retired after 20 years with AFLAC.
Charles Baldwin went to Davidson College, the University of Florida and Auburn University, where he graduated with a Veterinary degree. He served as a Veterinary in the Lake City area for 35 years before retiring. He moved to and lived in Costa Rico for the next 18 years. He and his wife Linda recently returned to the States and now reside in Fort White, Florida.
Next week’s Yesteryear will feature some more stories and memories about Catgut Canyon from our readers.
Send or drop off any pictures of your favorite sports memories to the Jackson County Times.
E-mail clintcox@jacksoncountytimes.net
Fax: (850) 526-1505
Phone: (850) 209-7319
Office: 2866 Madison St. Marianna
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Yesteryear - "Catgut Canyon"
This story is mostly about two men searching for a place called “Catgut Canyon,” which is….or once was…. located somewhere in Marianna. It may, however, be necessary to consume several paragraphs before we get back to the two men and to…..what’s the name of that place? Whatever….stay tuned.
You’d have to be at least in the age-70s category to have a personal recollection of former Marianna High athletes named Charles Baldwin, Jimmy Kynes, Mack Rooks, Frank (Archie) Harris, Al Padgett, June Sims---all of them four-year football and basketball players of some repute in the days when the whole world was at war….for the second time.
In the football season of 1943, Kynes (fullback), Sims (left guard) and Padgett (right halfback) were starters on the first Bulldog team to win the Northwest Florida Conference championship. Baldwin, Rooks and Harris were ninth-graders that year but got in some playing time and went on to become star players on outstanding Bulldog teams their junior and senior seasons.
These six Bulldogs-to-be were pal-around buddies/playmates/teammates/great friends for at least several years of their youth….though not necessarily all at the same time. ---And please note this is where “Catgut Canyon” makes its ‘official’ entry into this story: Kynes, Padgett and Baldwin lived very close to each other for many years early on…. CAP (Clarence Albert Padgett) and CAB (Charles Armond Baldwin) being across-the-street neighbors, with Kynes living only a short block around the next corner.
Less than a mile from their neighborhood, in a wooded area featuring a clear, sandy bottomed, fairly narrow stream, aka “branch,” was the place where these three boys often ---and others among their future Bulldog teammates occasionally---hiked, camped out and played lots of “Cowboys and Indians.” Yep, “CATGUT CANYON”---a place of great fun, and apparently a place long-remembered by several kids who grew up in Marianna, Jackson County, State of Florida.
Well, Charlie Baldwin and Al Padgett are the two who remembered it longest. They’re the only ones still alive from that “once-young gang of theirs.” And quite recently, suddenly realizing that four of the six original members from the “Catgut Gang” are already gone, they determined to re-visit their most favorite canyon in the universe. If it’s still there…..
They recall the “canyon” being located somewhere near (underneath?) the present-day Chipola College….or perhaps in an area where many, many large homes have joined the college in transforming a wilderness, some 70-odd years ago,
into modern-day “Suburbia.” Or, into “Suburban Marianna,” whichever you-the-reader should choose.
Will CAP and CAB find Ol’ Catgut and remember the many good times with so many good friends? Well, they’ve scheduled July 24 to give it a big-huge “Bulldog Try.” If they do find it, at ages (almost) 83 and 80, respectively, both say there’ll be no overnight camp.
Quick game of “Cowboys and Indians,” anyone? Stay Tuned next week for more on “The Hunt For Catgut Canyon”
Send or drop off any pictures of your favorite sports memories to the Jackson County Times.
E-mail: clintcox@jacksoncountytimes.net
Fax: (850) 526-1505
Phone: (850) 209-7319
Office: 2866 Madison St. Marianna
You’d have to be at least in the age-70s category to have a personal recollection of former Marianna High athletes named Charles Baldwin, Jimmy Kynes, Mack Rooks, Frank (Archie) Harris, Al Padgett, June Sims---all of them four-year football and basketball players of some repute in the days when the whole world was at war….for the second time.
In the football season of 1943, Kynes (fullback), Sims (left guard) and Padgett (right halfback) were starters on the first Bulldog team to win the Northwest Florida Conference championship. Baldwin, Rooks and Harris were ninth-graders that year but got in some playing time and went on to become star players on outstanding Bulldog teams their junior and senior seasons.
These six Bulldogs-to-be were pal-around buddies/playmates/teammates/great friends for at least several years of their youth….though not necessarily all at the same time. ---And please note this is where “Catgut Canyon” makes its ‘official’ entry into this story: Kynes, Padgett and Baldwin lived very close to each other for many years early on…. CAP (Clarence Albert Padgett) and CAB (Charles Armond Baldwin) being across-the-street neighbors, with Kynes living only a short block around the next corner.
Less than a mile from their neighborhood, in a wooded area featuring a clear, sandy bottomed, fairly narrow stream, aka “branch,” was the place where these three boys often ---and others among their future Bulldog teammates occasionally---hiked, camped out and played lots of “Cowboys and Indians.” Yep, “CATGUT CANYON”---a place of great fun, and apparently a place long-remembered by several kids who grew up in Marianna, Jackson County, State of Florida.
Well, Charlie Baldwin and Al Padgett are the two who remembered it longest. They’re the only ones still alive from that “once-young gang of theirs.” And quite recently, suddenly realizing that four of the six original members from the “Catgut Gang” are already gone, they determined to re-visit their most favorite canyon in the universe. If it’s still there…..
They recall the “canyon” being located somewhere near (underneath?) the present-day Chipola College….or perhaps in an area where many, many large homes have joined the college in transforming a wilderness, some 70-odd years ago,
into modern-day “Suburbia.” Or, into “Suburban Marianna,” whichever you-the-reader should choose.
Will CAP and CAB find Ol’ Catgut and remember the many good times with so many good friends? Well, they’ve scheduled July 24 to give it a big-huge “Bulldog Try.” If they do find it, at ages (almost) 83 and 80, respectively, both say there’ll be no overnight camp.
Quick game of “Cowboys and Indians,” anyone? Stay Tuned next week for more on “The Hunt For Catgut Canyon”
Send or drop off any pictures of your favorite sports memories to the Jackson County Times.
E-mail: clintcox@jacksoncountytimes.net
Fax: (850) 526-1505
Phone: (850) 209-7319
Office: 2866 Madison St. Marianna
Thursday, July 16, 2009
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.
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 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.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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.
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.
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