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March 2011
Hardaway Hawks Soar Above The Rest
by Chris Hawkins and Carson Thomas • photography by LifeTouch
After losing in the first round of the playoffs last year and finishing the season with a record of 17-7, the Hardaway Hawks basketball team has come back with a vengeance. When Hardaway entered the William Henry Shaw Christmas Tournament, the team’s record of 9-1 placed them as the number-one seed. The team and coach Alex Davis entered the tournament with one goal: to win it all. A big win over Tallassee in the first game proved they were ready.
One step away from the championship game, the Hawks had to beat the Shaw Raiders. The Hawks’ chances seemed to be fading away in the game’s final seconds. The score was 70-72 with a Raider lead. The Hawks took possession on the far side of their goal. Point guard Austin Scott received a pass at the half-court line and landed a game-winning shot to beat the Raiders, 73-72.
With the championship within their grasp, the Hawks faced the Central Red Devils of Phenix City, Alabama. Within two quarters of the championship, the Hawks led 39-27. Toward the end of the game, the Hawks’ lead began to narrow when the Red Devils made a comeback, but the Hawks didn’t budge and won the game, 65-63. This championship win ended the Hawks’ 40-year drought at the Christmas tournament.
Davis feels that his players are team oriented, as most of the seniors have been playing together under his leadership for four years. Going into region play, Davis says the team is focused on “the task at hand,” and he believes they will be successful if they avoid mental mistakes. According to Davis, the team goals are to beat every team in Columbus, win the region, go deeper into the playoffs than last year and win the Christmas tournament, a goal already achieved.
This year’s team consists of six seniors, five of whom have promising athletic futures. Each of those five plans to play college basketball, football or baseball. Valenta Williams and Jamaine Burrey have attracted attention from a few colleges for their basketball abilities. Walter Jackson and Austin Scott have schools interested in their football talents. Devin Jackson plans to use baseball as a way to further his skills as an academic athlete.
Each senior has a role that contributes to the success of his Hawks basketball team.
“I don’t think it’s a lot of pressure on me in the post as far as rebounds, blocks and points because we are all playing together, and five players are harder to beat than one,” Williams says.
Devin Jackson says, “I feel that my defensive hustle is a big contribution because I like to bring the fun and intensity to the game.”
Burrey, one of the leading scorers in the state, says, “It feels real good to be known around the city and state as a top scorer and to bring it night in and night out. Being where I am now took sacrifice and dedication in the gym, working on my skills.”
Scott says, “We have a number of athletes on the team, so we are at an advantage when we run the floor, which makes my job easier to distribute.”
Walter Jackson brings his energy from the football field onto the court, and Shaq Blount is still driven after being out half the season because of injury. Another contributor to the team is junior Jabari Clemons, the second-leading scorer on the team. Playing the point and shooting guard, Clemons looks forward to leading the Hawks next year.
by Chris Hawkins and Carson Thomas • photography by LifeTouch
After losing in the first round of the playoffs last year and finishing the season with a record of 17-7, the Hardaway Hawks basketball team has come back with a vengeance. When Hardaway entered the William Henry Shaw Christmas Tournament, the team’s record of 9-1 placed them as the number-one seed. The team and coach Alex Davis entered the tournament with one goal: to win it all. A big win over Tallassee in the first game proved they were ready.
One step away from the championship game, the Hawks had to beat the Shaw Raiders. The Hawks’ chances seemed to be fading away in the game’s final seconds. The score was 70-72 with a Raider lead. The Hawks took possession on the far side of their goal. Point guard Austin Scott received a pass at the half-court line and landed a game-winning shot to beat the Raiders, 73-72.
With the championship within their grasp, the Hawks faced the Central Red Devils of Phenix City, Alabama. Within two quarters of the championship, the Hawks led 39-27. Toward the end of the game, the Hawks’ lead began to narrow when the Red Devils made a comeback, but the Hawks didn’t budge and won the game, 65-63. This championship win ended the Hawks’ 40-year drought at the Christmas tournament.
Davis feels that his players are team oriented, as most of the seniors have been playing together under his leadership for four years. Going into region play, Davis says the team is focused on “the task at hand,” and he believes they will be successful if they avoid mental mistakes. According to Davis, the team goals are to beat every team in Columbus, win the region, go deeper into the playoffs than last year and win the Christmas tournament, a goal already achieved.
This year’s team consists of six seniors, five of whom have promising athletic futures. Each of those five plans to play college basketball, football or baseball. Valenta Williams and Jamaine Burrey have attracted attention from a few colleges for their basketball abilities. Walter Jackson and Austin Scott have schools interested in their football talents. Devin Jackson plans to use baseball as a way to further his skills as an academic athlete.
Each senior has a role that contributes to the success of his Hawks basketball team.
“I don’t think it’s a lot of pressure on me in the post as far as rebounds, blocks and points because we are all playing together, and five players are harder to beat than one,” Williams says.
Devin Jackson says, “I feel that my defensive hustle is a big contribution because I like to bring the fun and intensity to the game.”
Burrey, one of the leading scorers in the state, says, “It feels real good to be known around the city and state as a top scorer and to bring it night in and night out. Being where I am now took sacrifice and dedication in the gym, working on my skills.”
Scott says, “We have a number of athletes on the team, so we are at an advantage when we run the floor, which makes my job easier to distribute.”
Walter Jackson brings his energy from the football field onto the court, and Shaq Blount is still driven after being out half the season because of injury. Another contributor to the team is junior Jabari Clemons, the second-leading scorer on the team. Playing the point and shooting guard, Clemons looks forward to leading the Hawks next year.
Lady Hawks Basketball
by Courtnie Chisolm and Kiara Callahan photography by LifeTouch
The Lady Hawks basketball season nears its close with three games remaining and a 12- 7 record. Coach Kendall Mills is proud of the season thus far, stating the team is a “special group.” Although the season has not been as successful as it might have been, Mills believes the team learned how to better the program.
Seniors Khadijah Lawrence and Olivia Staley have goals for the remainder of the season, including postseason play. In order to reach their goals, they have to enhance their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
Mills and his team agree that their weaknesses are speed, attitude, size and post play. In order to overcome their weaknesses, the team must communicate more on and off the court, become stronger and quicker, and obtain a strong mindset.
The team will miss its five departing seniors, and Mills foresees trying times because the younger girls will still be developing their basketball skills. Mills says, “To get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” This philosophy will be reiterated to upcoming varsity players.
Mills and a few seniors have advice for students who wish to become a part of Hardaway’s girls basketball team: Successful Lady Hawks must be quick, strong-minded and mentally tough while having fun and making new friends, but most important, they must be ready to work.
by Courtnie Chisolm and Kiara Callahan photography by LifeTouch
The Lady Hawks basketball season nears its close with three games remaining and a 12- 7 record. Coach Kendall Mills is proud of the season thus far, stating the team is a “special group.” Although the season has not been as successful as it might have been, Mills believes the team learned how to better the program.
Seniors Khadijah Lawrence and Olivia Staley have goals for the remainder of the season, including postseason play. In order to reach their goals, they have to enhance their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
Mills and his team agree that their weaknesses are speed, attitude, size and post play. In order to overcome their weaknesses, the team must communicate more on and off the court, become stronger and quicker, and obtain a strong mindset.
The team will miss its five departing seniors, and Mills foresees trying times because the younger girls will still be developing their basketball skills. Mills says, “To get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done.” This philosophy will be reiterated to upcoming varsity players.
Mills and a few seniors have advice for students who wish to become a part of Hardaway’s girls basketball team: Successful Lady Hawks must be quick, strong-minded and mentally tough while having fun and making new friends, but most important, they must be ready to work.
Hardaway Dance Team Members Perform in Italy
by Indigo Pullen
Every summer, Hardaway High School‘s dance team is invited to attend an Universal Dance Association dance camp at an area college. In 2010, a four-day camp was held at Auburn University. The team learns routines that are performed and evaluated on the last day of camp. The dancers also have an opportunity to audition for the UDA All-American team.
Three girls from Hardaway were selected for the UDA All-American team: Megan Sias, Tandria Jones and Courtney Creamer, who were each awarded a medal and invited to participate in a New Year’s Eve celebration and parade in Rome, Italy. Jones and Creamer took the opportunity to showcase their dance skills.
“In all honesty, I didn’t really want to audition,” says Jones, who is captain of the Hardaway dance team. “Last year, I had auditioned for the All-American Team and didn’t make it. This year I had lost interest in trying out. Mrs. Powers, however, had a totally different mindset and made me try out. I’m definitely happy I did it now [because] I would have missed out on an awesome experience.”
Hardaway dance team coach Karen Powers knew Jones had the potential to become a member of the All-American team. “Tandria has such a great personality and she is a great leader. She had motivation and something to offer, which is why she is the dance team captain,” Powers says.
Jones, a three-year member of the dance team, has been dancing for 11 years. She also dances for Performance Dance Center in Columbus. “I love dancing because it is so much and fun, and it’s something I just have always liked to do,” Jones says. Excited to be a part of the UDA All-American team this year, she was prepared to work hard. “I just do my best and my best made it possible for me to go to Rome, Italy, and I’m very happy about that,” Jones says.
Creamer was also anxious to try out for the UDA All-American team. “I was so nervous I wasn’t going to make it because you have to watch other girls and their auditions, and they were so good,” she says. “I didn’t know if I would be good enough. When I was told that I had been accepted though, I was so proud and fearful. I was going out of state without my family to a whole different country, but I was ready for the adventure.”
Creamer began dancing at age five and joined her first studio in eighth grade. As a high school student, she had to make choice: stay in the studio or join Hardaway’s dance team. “I didn’t really know anyone, so I was really quiet when I first started dancing for Hardaway,” Creamer says. “With time, I opened up more and got closer to my dance team.”
The Hardaway dance team has been a benefit for Creamer. “I really like the dance team at the school because I learn more complex skills while in the studio, they taught only the basics. I didn’t get to challenge myself as much as I do now,” she says.
The Hardaway dancers enjoyed their trip to Rome. “All the different sight-seeing, food and shopping was amazing. I’ve never seen so many things before, and to do it with a friend was awesome,” says Creamer.
“We took so many pictures and saw so many things: the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, Mussolini’s ‘Wedding Cake’ [monument] and the Spanish Steps. It was so cool, and we got pictures of all of it,” Jones says. Although they enjoyed Italian pizza and the different sights, Jones and Creamer were amazed by public restrooms in Rome, which are shared by members of the opposite sex. “I appreciate American bathrooms now,” Jones says.
When the two weren’t enjoying Rome, they were preparing for the festivities. Learning a two-minute dance, they danced and marched in two parades. Sixty-five other girls were part of the All-American team, but only Jones and Creamer were from Georgia.
“It was cool learning about other girls from different places,” Creamer recalls. “We got to hear about their state and their dance teams, and we got to tell them about our dance team. It was like being a part of everyone else’s life.”
After the celebrations, the girls were awarded a medal from the mayor of Frascati. Jones, however, achieved something more. “While I was there, one of the professional choreographers asked me to dance with them for fun. It made me so proud to be asked to dance and to get the opportunity,” she says.
As juniors at Hardaway, Creamer and Jones will have more opportunities for success. “They both are so hardworking and helpful to the other dancers,” Powers says. “They are exceptional dancers and I can tell they have big futures.”
Jones’s future may involve dancing at the next level. “I want to get a dance scholarship to college,” she says. “I want to be a backup dancer or someone who makes choreography for music videos.”
Creamer has a totally different dream. “I love dancing, but these knees of mine won’t accept dancing forever,” she says. “I don’t mind though, I honestly am interested in dance therapy and want to go to school to become a dance therapist. I think that would be really fun to do and it goes around my love for dance.”
by Indigo Pullen
Every summer, Hardaway High School‘s dance team is invited to attend an Universal Dance Association dance camp at an area college. In 2010, a four-day camp was held at Auburn University. The team learns routines that are performed and evaluated on the last day of camp. The dancers also have an opportunity to audition for the UDA All-American team.
Three girls from Hardaway were selected for the UDA All-American team: Megan Sias, Tandria Jones and Courtney Creamer, who were each awarded a medal and invited to participate in a New Year’s Eve celebration and parade in Rome, Italy. Jones and Creamer took the opportunity to showcase their dance skills.
“In all honesty, I didn’t really want to audition,” says Jones, who is captain of the Hardaway dance team. “Last year, I had auditioned for the All-American Team and didn’t make it. This year I had lost interest in trying out. Mrs. Powers, however, had a totally different mindset and made me try out. I’m definitely happy I did it now [because] I would have missed out on an awesome experience.”
Hardaway dance team coach Karen Powers knew Jones had the potential to become a member of the All-American team. “Tandria has such a great personality and she is a great leader. She had motivation and something to offer, which is why she is the dance team captain,” Powers says.
Jones, a three-year member of the dance team, has been dancing for 11 years. She also dances for Performance Dance Center in Columbus. “I love dancing because it is so much and fun, and it’s something I just have always liked to do,” Jones says. Excited to be a part of the UDA All-American team this year, she was prepared to work hard. “I just do my best and my best made it possible for me to go to Rome, Italy, and I’m very happy about that,” Jones says.
Creamer was also anxious to try out for the UDA All-American team. “I was so nervous I wasn’t going to make it because you have to watch other girls and their auditions, and they were so good,” she says. “I didn’t know if I would be good enough. When I was told that I had been accepted though, I was so proud and fearful. I was going out of state without my family to a whole different country, but I was ready for the adventure.”
Creamer began dancing at age five and joined her first studio in eighth grade. As a high school student, she had to make choice: stay in the studio or join Hardaway’s dance team. “I didn’t really know anyone, so I was really quiet when I first started dancing for Hardaway,” Creamer says. “With time, I opened up more and got closer to my dance team.”
The Hardaway dance team has been a benefit for Creamer. “I really like the dance team at the school because I learn more complex skills while in the studio, they taught only the basics. I didn’t get to challenge myself as much as I do now,” she says.
The Hardaway dancers enjoyed their trip to Rome. “All the different sight-seeing, food and shopping was amazing. I’ve never seen so many things before, and to do it with a friend was awesome,” says Creamer.
“We took so many pictures and saw so many things: the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, Mussolini’s ‘Wedding Cake’ [monument] and the Spanish Steps. It was so cool, and we got pictures of all of it,” Jones says. Although they enjoyed Italian pizza and the different sights, Jones and Creamer were amazed by public restrooms in Rome, which are shared by members of the opposite sex. “I appreciate American bathrooms now,” Jones says.
When the two weren’t enjoying Rome, they were preparing for the festivities. Learning a two-minute dance, they danced and marched in two parades. Sixty-five other girls were part of the All-American team, but only Jones and Creamer were from Georgia.
“It was cool learning about other girls from different places,” Creamer recalls. “We got to hear about their state and their dance teams, and we got to tell them about our dance team. It was like being a part of everyone else’s life.”
After the celebrations, the girls were awarded a medal from the mayor of Frascati. Jones, however, achieved something more. “While I was there, one of the professional choreographers asked me to dance with them for fun. It made me so proud to be asked to dance and to get the opportunity,” she says.
As juniors at Hardaway, Creamer and Jones will have more opportunities for success. “They both are so hardworking and helpful to the other dancers,” Powers says. “They are exceptional dancers and I can tell they have big futures.”
Jones’s future may involve dancing at the next level. “I want to get a dance scholarship to college,” she says. “I want to be a backup dancer or someone who makes choreography for music videos.”
Creamer has a totally different dream. “I love dancing, but these knees of mine won’t accept dancing forever,” she says. “I don’t mind though, I honestly am interested in dance therapy and want to go to school to become a dance therapist. I think that would be really fun to do and it goes around my love for dance.”
January 2011
Rifle Team
by Alex Baker
When asked to describe the goal for the 2010-2011 Hardaway High School rifle team, team captain Amber Bergman, simply says, “Get to sectionals.” Although she adds that one of her goals is to “not get creamed,” she is very serious when it comes to her ambitions for the team’s future.
With three of the team’s five starters entering the season as seniors, the rifle team may have the poise and veteran leadership necessary to compete against local powerhouse teams like crosstown rival and three- time state champion Northside High School.
Bergman and Kerri Edgar have been among Hardaway’s top shooters since joining the team as freshmen. Anthony Nesbitt, who joined the team his sophomore year, also provides a veteran presence. Their combined senior leadership is extremely important, considering that their replacements are mostly underclassman with little to no prior experience.
The remaining starting shooters are Keanu Moore and Antonio Collazo. The underclassmen and shooters who hope to become starters in the future include Dewayne Greer, Shaw Taylor, Reggie Dawson, Ian McSwiggen and Chris Buchanan.
“I’m new here, but I plan to do my part for the team and the school,” says Buchanan, one of the young shooters who make it a point day after day to gain as much knowledge as possible from their experienced teammates.
The first test for the rifle team was a familiar foe. In recent years, Hardaway has dominated Shaw High School’s rifle team. This year proved to be no different as the Hawks rolled past the Raiders, annihilating them with a 1,028-538 score. Under the leadership and guidance of Bergman, Edgar and Nesbitt, the Hawks started their season with a win.
Next on the slate for Hardaway is Northside High School, who will undoubtedly prove to be the Hawks’ biggest test in the regular season. After the showdown with the Patriots, the Hawks will face rival Columbus High School in a match that has been very competitive in recent years and holds a significant meaning to the shooters, as bragging rights are part of the winner’s prize.
As the experienced team members continue to mentor the next generation of Hardaway shooters, the Hawks hope to continue their long history of success on the rifle range. Perhaps more important, they hope to lead by example and bring honor, respect and discipline to the playing field. With the 2010-2011 rifle season at its beginning, there is still plenty of action on the way for the Hawks, experienced and novice shooters alike.
by Alex Baker
When asked to describe the goal for the 2010-2011 Hardaway High School rifle team, team captain Amber Bergman, simply says, “Get to sectionals.” Although she adds that one of her goals is to “not get creamed,” she is very serious when it comes to her ambitions for the team’s future.
With three of the team’s five starters entering the season as seniors, the rifle team may have the poise and veteran leadership necessary to compete against local powerhouse teams like crosstown rival and three- time state champion Northside High School.
Bergman and Kerri Edgar have been among Hardaway’s top shooters since joining the team as freshmen. Anthony Nesbitt, who joined the team his sophomore year, also provides a veteran presence. Their combined senior leadership is extremely important, considering that their replacements are mostly underclassman with little to no prior experience.
The remaining starting shooters are Keanu Moore and Antonio Collazo. The underclassmen and shooters who hope to become starters in the future include Dewayne Greer, Shaw Taylor, Reggie Dawson, Ian McSwiggen and Chris Buchanan.
“I’m new here, but I plan to do my part for the team and the school,” says Buchanan, one of the young shooters who make it a point day after day to gain as much knowledge as possible from their experienced teammates.
The first test for the rifle team was a familiar foe. In recent years, Hardaway has dominated Shaw High School’s rifle team. This year proved to be no different as the Hawks rolled past the Raiders, annihilating them with a 1,028-538 score. Under the leadership and guidance of Bergman, Edgar and Nesbitt, the Hawks started their season with a win.
Next on the slate for Hardaway is Northside High School, who will undoubtedly prove to be the Hawks’ biggest test in the regular season. After the showdown with the Patriots, the Hawks will face rival Columbus High School in a match that has been very competitive in recent years and holds a significant meaning to the shooters, as bragging rights are part of the winner’s prize.
As the experienced team members continue to mentor the next generation of Hardaway shooters, the Hawks hope to continue their long history of success on the rifle range. Perhaps more important, they hope to lead by example and bring honor, respect and discipline to the playing field. With the 2010-2011 rifle season at its beginning, there is still plenty of action on the way for the Hawks, experienced and novice shooters alike.
Swim Team
by Indigo Pullen
This year’s season is going well for the Hardaway Hawks swim team and its coach. “This swim team has been very interesting because I’ve learned so much about and from my swimmers,” says coach Derek Pugh.
The swim team practices Tuesday through Thursday with swim drills, working out and jogging. Unfortunately, the team has to limit their pool conditioning to three times per week, making preparation for swim meets a bit complicated not only for Hardaway swimmers but for athletes on other school swim teams.
Pugh says, “It makes working on swimming and getting faster a bit harder because without the extra time in the pool, it stops the process of getting used to swimming everyday for long periods of time. If a swimmer wants to get good, they have to learn consistency, and it’s hard to stay consistent when there isn’t a consistent amount of time for swimming.”
Although having limited pool facilities is a downfall, Pugh is pleased with his team of young swimmers. “This time around, the team has gotten smaller and younger, which I thought would be a setback. I was very shocked to find out how well they did together as a team though,” he says.
Based on the team’s performance in their first two meets, Pugh predicts this year will be successful. His top swimmers, Hadiye Clinkscales and Trent Tursich, each place in their first two meets. Clinkscales took first and second place in the two meets while Tursich placed 16th and 19th, competing among 700 swimmers.
Pugh expects his team to give 100 percent this year, which is exactly what he has seen since the season began. “Everyone is participating together and working hard while enjoying themselves. I would never expect that the team would be so into swimming. I believe that it takes a lot to be a good swimmer. That’s why our motto for the swim team is ‘Real athletes swim, the rest just play games,’” Pugh says.
According to Pugh, swimming is one of the most difficult sports because swimmers have to push each other to be faster and to work harder, both on land and in the water. That doesn’t stop him from anticipating a successful season. “I’m sure this year will be very good and I expect great things from my team,” he says.
by Indigo Pullen
This year’s season is going well for the Hardaway Hawks swim team and its coach. “This swim team has been very interesting because I’ve learned so much about and from my swimmers,” says coach Derek Pugh.
The swim team practices Tuesday through Thursday with swim drills, working out and jogging. Unfortunately, the team has to limit their pool conditioning to three times per week, making preparation for swim meets a bit complicated not only for Hardaway swimmers but for athletes on other school swim teams.
Pugh says, “It makes working on swimming and getting faster a bit harder because without the extra time in the pool, it stops the process of getting used to swimming everyday for long periods of time. If a swimmer wants to get good, they have to learn consistency, and it’s hard to stay consistent when there isn’t a consistent amount of time for swimming.”
Although having limited pool facilities is a downfall, Pugh is pleased with his team of young swimmers. “This time around, the team has gotten smaller and younger, which I thought would be a setback. I was very shocked to find out how well they did together as a team though,” he says.
Based on the team’s performance in their first two meets, Pugh predicts this year will be successful. His top swimmers, Hadiye Clinkscales and Trent Tursich, each place in their first two meets. Clinkscales took first and second place in the two meets while Tursich placed 16th and 19th, competing among 700 swimmers.
Pugh expects his team to give 100 percent this year, which is exactly what he has seen since the season began. “Everyone is participating together and working hard while enjoying themselves. I would never expect that the team would be so into swimming. I believe that it takes a lot to be a good swimmer. That’s why our motto for the swim team is ‘Real athletes swim, the rest just play games,’” Pugh says.
According to Pugh, swimming is one of the most difficult sports because swimmers have to push each other to be faster and to work harder, both on land and in the water. That doesn’t stop him from anticipating a successful season. “I’m sure this year will be very good and I expect great things from my team,” he says.
November 2010
Hardaway Cross Country
by Indigo Pullen • photography by LifeTouch
The Hardaway High School cross country team is known for having awesome players, and both girls and boys have been qualified to go to state in the past. Coach Church believes that this year the team has the ability to do just the same. “I have high expectations for the team to go to state this year and see no reason why they wouldn’t make it,” says Church. “This season is already going pretty well. We have a lot of new people, which brings a lot of new talent.”
Church has been pleased with the talent of his runners, specifically Chris Williams and Merena Pricto. “They are both really good runners for Hardaway, and I think they are the idols of the team this year,” he says. “My team is pretty different from most. Although sometimes they have their differences, when situations are serious they work well together. Every person has to run for themselves but they are improving as an overall team.”
Both teams are currently ranked number six but by the end of the season Church hopes they will be much closer to number one. “I would like for them all to get better ranks so we can go to regionals and then qualify for state.”
When Church talks about their progression, he shows faith in his team for the future. “In the beginning it wasn’t progressing well because it was so hot, but they have been improving a lot since the weather began to cool down,” he says. “I feel like they can be more dedicated, and what I mean by that is that they should run more outside of practice. You have to be willing to work outside of school and that is something they all have to work on.”
Excited for the season, Church says, “I’m really excited for the region meet. We will compete against Northside, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bainbridge, and a lot more schools. I’m sure the competition this year will be awesome.”
The team as a whole is very determined to do their best and be on top of their game this year. Their team motto is: “If you’re not the lead runner, then the scenery never changes.”
Williams and Pricto showed their determination by preparing during the summer. “I ran four miles every other day and occasionally ran stairs,” Williams says. Pricto says she ran at the park by her house four or five days per week.
The team is proud to call themselves the cross country Hawks and their reasons for running vary. Some says it is an activity that they find easy to do, while others want to stay in shape or relieve some of the stress of school. Most on the team find it to be a balance of fun and work.
“They can only work themselves as much as they want to be worked. I can’t make them run faster. They have to make that choice themselves. The team has to work with speed, endurance and keeping a pace. If they do that, then they will be a shoe-in for state,” Church says.
by Indigo Pullen • photography by LifeTouch
The Hardaway High School cross country team is known for having awesome players, and both girls and boys have been qualified to go to state in the past. Coach Church believes that this year the team has the ability to do just the same. “I have high expectations for the team to go to state this year and see no reason why they wouldn’t make it,” says Church. “This season is already going pretty well. We have a lot of new people, which brings a lot of new talent.”Church has been pleased with the talent of his runners, specifically Chris Williams and Merena Pricto. “They are both really good runners for Hardaway, and I think they are the idols of the team this year,” he says. “My team is pretty different from most. Although sometimes they have their differences, when situations are serious they work well together. Every person has to run for themselves but they are improving as an overall team.”
Both teams are currently ranked number six but by the end of the season Church hopes they will be much closer to number one. “I would like for them all to get better ranks so we can go to regionals and then qualify for state.”
When Church talks about their progression, he shows faith in his team for the future. “In the beginning it wasn’t progressing well because it was so hot, but they have been improving a lot since the weather began to cool down,” he says. “I feel like they can be more dedicated, and what I mean by that is that they should run more outside of practice. You have to be willing to work outside of school and that is something they all have to work on.”
Excited for the season, Church says, “I’m really excited for the region meet. We will compete against Northside, Warner Robins, Houston County, Bainbridge, and a lot more schools. I’m sure the competition this year will be awesome.”The team as a whole is very determined to do their best and be on top of their game this year. Their team motto is: “If you’re not the lead runner, then the scenery never changes.”
Williams and Pricto showed their determination by preparing during the summer. “I ran four miles every other day and occasionally ran stairs,” Williams says. Pricto says she ran at the park by her house four or five days per week.
The team is proud to call themselves the cross country Hawks and their reasons for running vary. Some says it is an activity that they find easy to do, while others want to stay in shape or relieve some of the stress of school. Most on the team find it to be a balance of fun and work.
“They can only work themselves as much as they want to be worked. I can’t make them run faster. They have to make that choice themselves. The team has to work with speed, endurance and keeping a pace. If they do that, then they will be a shoe-in for state,” Church says.
Down but not Out
by Alex Baker
One of the biggest question marks entering the season for the Hardaway Hawks football team – which includes a young offense led by first year starting sophomore quarterback Joseph Gibson – was how they would respond to adversity on the playing field. How would head coach Jeff Battles and his team respond to playing under harsh circumstances? Would his team lie down after falling behind and give up or would they fight until the very end? Many of these questions are still in the process of being answered, even as we enter week eight of the Georgia high school football season.
Battles now has a much better idea of what kind of team he puts on the field week in and week out than he did before the 2010 football campaign began, or even after the first four games of the season, which saw the Hawks go 1-3 while failing to score against Valdosta and crosstown rival Carver. As Gibson gains experience under center for the Hawks, he seems to feel more comfortable with his position as the leader of the offense, even as a sophomore.
Football fans would testify that it is not the level of skill that wins football games (although that factor certainly helps), but rather the “intangibles,” as they have come to be called. The ability to determine whether or not a play is “busted,” so to speak, would be considered an intangible. In such a situation, the quarterback would simply throw the ball away to avoid the inevitable sack, hence giving his team a better chance to execute the next play. These intangibles are something that cannot be taught, yet ironically enough, they must be learned. They can only be acquired through first-hand experiences between the lines, on the often unforgiving gridiron. The intangibles that a player possesses separate the average player from the playmaker.
It was no easy task taking over an offense that was previously led by former Hawks quarterback Marcus Smith, who has taken his talent to the University of Louisville, but Gibson seems to have embraced his new role and has adjusted rather quickly to Battles’ offensive scheme. He understands the demands and pressures that he carries on his back every time he steps on the field. Nonetheless, he simply straps down his helmet and competes, even in tight situations in which his team is backed against a wall.
Gibson’s level of maturity is not often found in first-year sophomore quarterbacks. When asked about the demands that are placed on his quarterback, Battles says, “No mistakes. That’s what we ask of him.” It may sound simple, but considering that five of the first six opponents that Gibson faced as a starter made the playoffs in the 2009 season, no mistakes is much more difficult than it may seem. Gibson’s performance in his first six games is nothing short of amazing, as he seems to thrive in the pressure situations in spite of his lack of experience.
On October 1, 2010, the Hardaway High School football team found themselves facing a familiar foe. The Bainbridge Bearcats humiliated the Hawks during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, winning highly competitive, hard-fought games that could have easily gone either way. The Hawks found themselves facing what could arguably be considered a “must-win” situation on the road against their region rival, after losing their first region matchup to the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets, 33-6. Leading the Hawks offense was Gibson, taking the snaps, and senior tailback Austin Scott, who has emerged as the heart and soul of Hardaway’s offense.
Both teams experienced short drives that ended with punts throughout the majority of the first quarter. Neither team was able to consistently drive the ball into enemy territory until the end of the quarter when Hardaway running back, James Triplett capped of a scoring drive with a 10-yard rush for the first touchdown of the game at the 0:30 mark of the opening quarter. The lead was short-lived, as Bainbridge quickly answered with an explosive, 81-yard kick return by Bearcats return man Quincy Fortson with 0:18 on the clock. In the second quarter, the Hawks responded with a 81-yard play of their own as Gibson completed a pass to Scott, giving the Hawks the lead once again with just over eight minutes left before halftime. The score would remain the same at the halfway mark, as Hardaway entered the locker room with a 14-7 lead, due in large part to the textbook performances of Gibson and Scott as well as senior linebacker Walter Jackson, who anchors the Hawks defense.
The Hawks expanded their lead in the second half – as Scott proved he can move the chains on the ground as well as the air – on a 34-yard breakaway touchdown run at the 7:58 mark of the third quarter. With a comfortable 21-7 lead, the focus became the Hawks defensive corps led by middle linebacker Walter Jackson and rising star Ivan Cobb. The Hawks were unable to prevent the Bearcats offense from scoring as Bainbridge running back Damian Bouie scored from the 1-yard line to cut the deficit in half.
At the beginning of the third quarter, the Bainbridge offense seemed determined to mount a comeback in front of their home crowd. They quickly began driving into Hardaway territory, utilizing an option-based offensive attack that proved to be difficult for the Hawks to defend. The Bearcats once again found themselves inside the red zone and threatening to score from the 1-yard line. Bainbridge quarterback Aaron Hall held on to the ball on the quarterback keeper, crossing the plain and drawing the Bearcats to within one point of tying the game with 10:26 left in regulation. On the ensuing point after attempt, however, the Hawks special teams applied significant pressure while rushing the kicker and managed to force a failed extra point attempt, preserving the Hawks’ one-point lead.
The Bearcats managed to drive into Hardaway territory on their next two offensive drives, but the Hawks defense, particularly the linebacker corps led by seniors Walter Jackson and Jeremiah Henderson, prevented Bainbridge from moving the ball any deeper into Hardaway territory, as both drives ended with turnovers. On the final offensive drive by Bainbridge, the Bearcats found themselves facing a do-or-die, fourth-down play at the 40-yard line. The time had come for the Hawks defense to hold their ground one last time. Cobb managed to tip the pass from the Bainbridge quarterback, forcing an incompletion and a turnover on downs. The Hawks’ lead held up despite multiple scoring opportunities by the Bearcats offense. The final score was 21-20, giving Hardaway’s young offense a huge regional win on the road. The win would not have been possible without the clutch performances by Gibson and Scott.
The Hawks evened their regional record at 1-1 with the road win over Bainbridge. The next test for the Hardaway football team was Warner Robins, who entered the game with a disappointing 0-5 record on the season. Despite the Demons less than impressive record, the Hawks quickly learned the danger of overlooking their opponent. All though many of Warner Robins’ losses were lopsided in the score column, Region 1-AAAA is an extremely competitive division and it wouldn’t be unheard of for an 0-5 team to upset a 2-3 team, such as Hardaway at the time. Both the Hawks and the Demons had been outstanding defensively for the better part of the season, creating what was expected to be a low-scoring affair between the two teams.
As the game got kicked off, neither team was able to put together sustained drives for the first few minutes of play. After failed drives on both sides, the Hawks punted the ball to the Demons, who began to put together a drive that eventually resulted in the game’s first score. At the 5:36 mark of the first quarter, the Warner Robins kicker Kyle Floyd put the Demons on top with a 20-yard field goal, making the score 3-0. In response, the Hawks initiated their own scoring drive, as they received the ball and moved downfield into Demon territory. After a 3:03 drive, the Hawks were inside the Warner Robins 10-yard line and went on top with an 8-yard pass by Gibson to wide receiver T.J. Coppage for the touchdown with 2:28 seconds left in the first quarter. Following the play, Hawks kicker Raul Echevarria lined up for the extra point. The placeholder bobbled the ball, resulting in a missed point after attempt that would prove to be a factor later in the game.
With a 6-3 lead, the Hawks kicked off to the Demons, who were unsuccessful in their efforts to answer the Hardaway scoring drive until the second quarter. At the 7:59 mark of the first half, Warner Robins broke through the Hardaway secondary, driving down to the Hawks’ 1-yard line. The Demons quickly capitalized on the Hawks’ defensive miscues, punching in a 1-yard touchdown run by Charles Colbert to take the lead. As the game progressed, the Hawks offense was unable to consistently move the ball into the Demon secondary. With less than three minutes remaining in the half, the Warner Robins offense extended their lead with a 38-yard field goal by Kyle Floyd. The 13-6 lead would hold up until half time for the Demons, who entered the locker room with a lead for the first time in the 2010 season.
Despite the early woes on offense, the Hawks seemed determined to pound the ball into Warner Robins territory and outscore the Demons in the second half, although the defense for both teams tightened up dramatically in the third quarter. While the Hawks managed to move the chains early on in the second half, Warner Robins’ front seven seemed relentless in their efforts to preserve their lead. Likewise, the Hawks defensive line and linebacker corps essentially shut down the Warner Robins ground attack, which had been effective in the first half. Neither team managed to put together a sustained offensive drive until late in the fourth quarter, when the Hawks began to piece together a comeback. Led by Scott, the Hardaway offensive attack mounted what would prove to be the game-tying drive. The drive consisted of a 54-yard, breakaway touchdown run by Scott. The game was tied at 13, with under six minutes left on the clock.
The Hawks defense took the field with one goal in mind: hold the line. After being tested on several plays, the secondary prevented any big gains through the air while the Hardaway pass rush broke into the backfield play after play, eliminating the Demons’ ground attack. With less than five minutes of regulation, the Hawks defense forced Warner Robins to punt the ball away, giving Battles’ offense one last chance to win. As the Hawks drove the ball into Demon territory, Echevarria warmed up on the sideline, knowing he would probably be called on to seal the deal. With three seconds left on a third-and-goal situation, he took the field with the game on his shoulders. The scenario was undoubtedly one he had envisioned as a kid in the backyard, knowing that if the time was right, he would seize the opportunity. Snap … spot … the kick was away, sailing perfectly through the uprights to become the first game-winning field goal of Echevarria’s career. “He’s a young kid that plays a lot of soccer and has made penalty kicks all his life. He knew what he had to do and executed the kick,” stated Battles after the game. The Hawks had won a mentally trying, hard-fought battle from beginning to end. The final score was 16-13.
As the Hawks continue their quest for their first playoff berth in 12 years, they hope to continue gaining more experience for the remaining 2010 season as well as future campaigns. With a 2-2 record in Region 1-AAAA, the Hardaway football team still has a great chance of achieving their goal. As Gibson continues to mature as the offensive leader, the Hawks may find themselves playing deeper into the winter of 2010.
by Alex Baker
One of the biggest question marks entering the season for the Hardaway Hawks football team – which includes a young offense led by first year starting sophomore quarterback Joseph Gibson – was how they would respond to adversity on the playing field. How would head coach Jeff Battles and his team respond to playing under harsh circumstances? Would his team lie down after falling behind and give up or would they fight until the very end? Many of these questions are still in the process of being answered, even as we enter week eight of the Georgia high school football season. Battles now has a much better idea of what kind of team he puts on the field week in and week out than he did before the 2010 football campaign began, or even after the first four games of the season, which saw the Hawks go 1-3 while failing to score against Valdosta and crosstown rival Carver. As Gibson gains experience under center for the Hawks, he seems to feel more comfortable with his position as the leader of the offense, even as a sophomore.
Football fans would testify that it is not the level of skill that wins football games (although that factor certainly helps), but rather the “intangibles,” as they have come to be called. The ability to determine whether or not a play is “busted,” so to speak, would be considered an intangible. In such a situation, the quarterback would simply throw the ball away to avoid the inevitable sack, hence giving his team a better chance to execute the next play. These intangibles are something that cannot be taught, yet ironically enough, they must be learned. They can only be acquired through first-hand experiences between the lines, on the often unforgiving gridiron. The intangibles that a player possesses separate the average player from the playmaker.
It was no easy task taking over an offense that was previously led by former Hawks quarterback Marcus Smith, who has taken his talent to the University of Louisville, but Gibson seems to have embraced his new role and has adjusted rather quickly to Battles’ offensive scheme. He understands the demands and pressures that he carries on his back every time he steps on the field. Nonetheless, he simply straps down his helmet and competes, even in tight situations in which his team is backed against a wall.
Gibson’s level of maturity is not often found in first-year sophomore quarterbacks. When asked about the demands that are placed on his quarterback, Battles says, “No mistakes. That’s what we ask of him.” It may sound simple, but considering that five of the first six opponents that Gibson faced as a starter made the playoffs in the 2009 season, no mistakes is much more difficult than it may seem. Gibson’s performance in his first six games is nothing short of amazing, as he seems to thrive in the pressure situations in spite of his lack of experience.
On October 1, 2010, the Hardaway High School football team found themselves facing a familiar foe. The Bainbridge Bearcats humiliated the Hawks during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, winning highly competitive, hard-fought games that could have easily gone either way. The Hawks found themselves facing what could arguably be considered a “must-win” situation on the road against their region rival, after losing their first region matchup to the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets, 33-6. Leading the Hawks offense was Gibson, taking the snaps, and senior tailback Austin Scott, who has emerged as the heart and soul of Hardaway’s offense.
Both teams experienced short drives that ended with punts throughout the majority of the first quarter. Neither team was able to consistently drive the ball into enemy territory until the end of the quarter when Hardaway running back, James Triplett capped of a scoring drive with a 10-yard rush for the first touchdown of the game at the 0:30 mark of the opening quarter. The lead was short-lived, as Bainbridge quickly answered with an explosive, 81-yard kick return by Bearcats return man Quincy Fortson with 0:18 on the clock. In the second quarter, the Hawks responded with a 81-yard play of their own as Gibson completed a pass to Scott, giving the Hawks the lead once again with just over eight minutes left before halftime. The score would remain the same at the halfway mark, as Hardaway entered the locker room with a 14-7 lead, due in large part to the textbook performances of Gibson and Scott as well as senior linebacker Walter Jackson, who anchors the Hawks defense.The Hawks expanded their lead in the second half – as Scott proved he can move the chains on the ground as well as the air – on a 34-yard breakaway touchdown run at the 7:58 mark of the third quarter. With a comfortable 21-7 lead, the focus became the Hawks defensive corps led by middle linebacker Walter Jackson and rising star Ivan Cobb. The Hawks were unable to prevent the Bearcats offense from scoring as Bainbridge running back Damian Bouie scored from the 1-yard line to cut the deficit in half.
At the beginning of the third quarter, the Bainbridge offense seemed determined to mount a comeback in front of their home crowd. They quickly began driving into Hardaway territory, utilizing an option-based offensive attack that proved to be difficult for the Hawks to defend. The Bearcats once again found themselves inside the red zone and threatening to score from the 1-yard line. Bainbridge quarterback Aaron Hall held on to the ball on the quarterback keeper, crossing the plain and drawing the Bearcats to within one point of tying the game with 10:26 left in regulation. On the ensuing point after attempt, however, the Hawks special teams applied significant pressure while rushing the kicker and managed to force a failed extra point attempt, preserving the Hawks’ one-point lead.
The Bearcats managed to drive into Hardaway territory on their next two offensive drives, but the Hawks defense, particularly the linebacker corps led by seniors Walter Jackson and Jeremiah Henderson, prevented Bainbridge from moving the ball any deeper into Hardaway territory, as both drives ended with turnovers. On the final offensive drive by Bainbridge, the Bearcats found themselves facing a do-or-die, fourth-down play at the 40-yard line. The time had come for the Hawks defense to hold their ground one last time. Cobb managed to tip the pass from the Bainbridge quarterback, forcing an incompletion and a turnover on downs. The Hawks’ lead held up despite multiple scoring opportunities by the Bearcats offense. The final score was 21-20, giving Hardaway’s young offense a huge regional win on the road. The win would not have been possible without the clutch performances by Gibson and Scott.
The Hawks evened their regional record at 1-1 with the road win over Bainbridge. The next test for the Hardaway football team was Warner Robins, who entered the game with a disappointing 0-5 record on the season. Despite the Demons less than impressive record, the Hawks quickly learned the danger of overlooking their opponent. All though many of Warner Robins’ losses were lopsided in the score column, Region 1-AAAA is an extremely competitive division and it wouldn’t be unheard of for an 0-5 team to upset a 2-3 team, such as Hardaway at the time. Both the Hawks and the Demons had been outstanding defensively for the better part of the season, creating what was expected to be a low-scoring affair between the two teams.
As the game got kicked off, neither team was able to put together sustained drives for the first few minutes of play. After failed drives on both sides, the Hawks punted the ball to the Demons, who began to put together a drive that eventually resulted in the game’s first score. At the 5:36 mark of the first quarter, the Warner Robins kicker Kyle Floyd put the Demons on top with a 20-yard field goal, making the score 3-0. In response, the Hawks initiated their own scoring drive, as they received the ball and moved downfield into Demon territory. After a 3:03 drive, the Hawks were inside the Warner Robins 10-yard line and went on top with an 8-yard pass by Gibson to wide receiver T.J. Coppage for the touchdown with 2:28 seconds left in the first quarter. Following the play, Hawks kicker Raul Echevarria lined up for the extra point. The placeholder bobbled the ball, resulting in a missed point after attempt that would prove to be a factor later in the game.
With a 6-3 lead, the Hawks kicked off to the Demons, who were unsuccessful in their efforts to answer the Hardaway scoring drive until the second quarter. At the 7:59 mark of the first half, Warner Robins broke through the Hardaway secondary, driving down to the Hawks’ 1-yard line. The Demons quickly capitalized on the Hawks’ defensive miscues, punching in a 1-yard touchdown run by Charles Colbert to take the lead. As the game progressed, the Hawks offense was unable to consistently move the ball into the Demon secondary. With less than three minutes remaining in the half, the Warner Robins offense extended their lead with a 38-yard field goal by Kyle Floyd. The 13-6 lead would hold up until half time for the Demons, who entered the locker room with a lead for the first time in the 2010 season.
Despite the early woes on offense, the Hawks seemed determined to pound the ball into Warner Robins territory and outscore the Demons in the second half, although the defense for both teams tightened up dramatically in the third quarter. While the Hawks managed to move the chains early on in the second half, Warner Robins’ front seven seemed relentless in their efforts to preserve their lead. Likewise, the Hawks defensive line and linebacker corps essentially shut down the Warner Robins ground attack, which had been effective in the first half. Neither team managed to put together a sustained offensive drive until late in the fourth quarter, when the Hawks began to piece together a comeback. Led by Scott, the Hardaway offensive attack mounted what would prove to be the game-tying drive. The drive consisted of a 54-yard, breakaway touchdown run by Scott. The game was tied at 13, with under six minutes left on the clock.
The Hawks defense took the field with one goal in mind: hold the line. After being tested on several plays, the secondary prevented any big gains through the air while the Hardaway pass rush broke into the backfield play after play, eliminating the Demons’ ground attack. With less than five minutes of regulation, the Hawks defense forced Warner Robins to punt the ball away, giving Battles’ offense one last chance to win. As the Hawks drove the ball into Demon territory, Echevarria warmed up on the sideline, knowing he would probably be called on to seal the deal. With three seconds left on a third-and-goal situation, he took the field with the game on his shoulders. The scenario was undoubtedly one he had envisioned as a kid in the backyard, knowing that if the time was right, he would seize the opportunity. Snap … spot … the kick was away, sailing perfectly through the uprights to become the first game-winning field goal of Echevarria’s career. “He’s a young kid that plays a lot of soccer and has made penalty kicks all his life. He knew what he had to do and executed the kick,” stated Battles after the game. The Hawks had won a mentally trying, hard-fought battle from beginning to end. The final score was 16-13.
As the Hawks continue their quest for their first playoff berth in 12 years, they hope to continue gaining more experience for the remaining 2010 season as well as future campaigns. With a 2-2 record in Region 1-AAAA, the Hardaway football team still has a great chance of achieving their goal. As Gibson continues to mature as the offensive leader, the Hawks may find themselves playing deeper into the winter of 2010.
Lady Hawks Softball
by Kayla Staubitz • photography by LifeTouch
The end of the Lady Hawks softball season didn’t go quite as planned. At the start of the season, the ladies seemed unstoppable and their confidence was high. However, as the season went on, things began to look less than agreeable.
They started in a blaze of confidence and motivation, having a record of 12-4 at one point. Regrettably, the last several weeks of the season incurred a bad run for the Lady Hawks, concluding with a final record of 14-15.
The results of this season were surprising but at the same time, the coaches feel they went into the second half of the season with an understanding that there was tougher competition to come. The “hot start” of the season was lost, and though this wasn’t surprising, it was still a disappointment. As for the girls, they simply knew that they could’ve done better.
The Lady Hawks had an intense season. Particular games stood out, including the 4-2 win against rival Northside. Coach Stotser, one of two coaches for the Lady Hawks, says that the win against the Lady Patriots was by far the most exciting game of the season, as the Northside girls were the Lady Hawks “best beaten opponent.” The Lady Hawks played the Lady Patriots twice this season, losing the second game, 6-1.
With every bout of excitement, a wave of disappointment often tends to lurk not far behind. For the Lady Hawks, this disappointment came in the form of the loss of their first region tournament against Thomas County Central. “We went in as underdogs and almost won, but ended up losing 2-1,” Stotser says.
While the season didn’t progress as intended, the plan for next year is clear-cut. The lesser, but by no means inconsequential, goal is to win the region. Once that is accomplished, the Lady Hawks plan to go big by taking the state playoffs. With the majority of the team returning, along with each player’s positive attitude and determination, these goals certainly seem attainable.
by Kayla Staubitz • photography by LifeTouch
The end of the Lady Hawks softball season didn’t go quite as planned. At the start of the season, the ladies seemed unstoppable and their confidence was high. However, as the season went on, things began to look less than agreeable.They started in a blaze of confidence and motivation, having a record of 12-4 at one point. Regrettably, the last several weeks of the season incurred a bad run for the Lady Hawks, concluding with a final record of 14-15.
The results of this season were surprising but at the same time, the coaches feel they went into the second half of the season with an understanding that there was tougher competition to come. The “hot start” of the season was lost, and though this wasn’t surprising, it was still a disappointment. As for the girls, they simply knew that they could’ve done better.
The Lady Hawks had an intense season. Particular games stood out, including the 4-2 win against rival Northside. Coach Stotser, one of two coaches for the Lady Hawks, says that the win against the Lady Patriots was by far the most exciting game of the season, as the Northside girls were the Lady Hawks “best beaten opponent.” The Lady Hawks played the Lady Patriots twice this season, losing the second game, 6-1. With every bout of excitement, a wave of disappointment often tends to lurk not far behind. For the Lady Hawks, this disappointment came in the form of the loss of their first region tournament against Thomas County Central. “We went in as underdogs and almost won, but ended up losing 2-1,” Stotser says.
While the season didn’t progress as intended, the plan for next year is clear-cut. The lesser, but by no means inconsequential, goal is to win the region. Once that is accomplished, the Lady Hawks plan to go big by taking the state playoffs. With the majority of the team returning, along with each player’s positive attitude and determination, these goals certainly seem attainable.
October 2010
Hardaway Football
by Alex Baker, HHS Journalism • photography by LifeTouch Studios
Sports have been a mainstay in worldwide culture for centuries, partially due to their simplistic nature. There are two options: A team or individual can either win or lose. Winning is considered a success while losing is considered a failure. The only exception is the occasional tie, which may be considered a failure by default. The idea behind sports or any competitive atmosphere is to win. Simply put, anything less than a win is considered a failure.
Yet there seems to be something more captivating and inspiring about those who experience losing and rise above the competition to overcome the odds and redeem themselves. One could argue that there is more to be said about such teams or individuals than those that never experience failure. Furthermore, one could ask themselves if losing is really considered a failure if it makes them stronger. For it is in failure that a team or individual really finds themselves as competitors.
On paper, the Hardaway High School football season thus far would appear to be a failure. The Hawks opened the season with a preseason exhibition 35-6 loss on the road to the Smiths Station Panthers. The scrimmage raised many questions for head coach Jeff Battles’ young offense, led by sophomore first-year quarterback Joseph Gibson. Gibson has big shoes to fill, as he is following former quarterback Marcus Smith, who is now a University of Louisville linebacker.
While many of the Hawks’ key offensive players, including Smith, graduated last year, others returned to provide leadership and guidance for one of Hardaway’s youngest offensive attacks in recent years. Senior running back, wide receiver and defensive back Austin Scott was honored in 2009 with Region 1-AAAA First Team recognition at wide receiver. Offensive lineman Eddie Stewart has also returned to play his senior season for the Hawks. Stewart was honored in 2009 as a Region 1-AAAA Second Team selection. Anchoring the defense is senior linebacker Walter Jackson, who also received Region 1-AAAA Second Team recognition. Scott and Jackson were chosen to represent Hardaway in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Dandy Dozen for 2010, an annual group of outstanding football players from the Chattahoochee Valley. Scott and Jackson were All-Bi-City First Team players at their respective positions during the 2009 season. Scott had more than 1,000 all-purpose yards, and Jackson led the defense with 134 tackles.
Scott, 5’7”, 170, is being recruited by Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Marshall and Middle Tennessee State. Jackson, 5’11”, 190, has received interest from Georgia Southern, Georgia State, North Alabama and Tennessee-Chattanooga. The two hope to lead by example and take the next generation of Hardaway football players under their wings.
The Hawks opened the 2010 regular season on the road against the Harris County Tigers, who went 5-5 in 2009 on their way to a region playoff appearance. The Tigers defeated the Hawks 34-14 in 2009, which seemed to motivate the Hardaway players in what proved to be a 48-minute defensive battle in regulation that carried over into overtime. The mindset was quickly established for the players with red, gold and white on their backs. The Harris County ground attack was essentially eliminated from start to finish. Despite being outsized, the Hawks pass rush plowed over the Harris County offensive line, flushing the Tigers quarterback out of the pocket and applying pressure play after play. The defensive line and linebacker corps functioned as an impenetrable wall, preventing any breakaway runs for high yardage by the Tigers’ tailbacks.
The Harris County run defense proved to be just as effective, as they managed to hold Scott to only 92 rushing yards. As the defensive struggle continued, the teams remained scoreless until the final minute of the first half. A 10-yard run up the middle by Hardaway running back James Triplett, giving the Hawks the 6-0 lead they would take into the locker room. At the 7:43 mark of the third quarter, Harris County answered with a 2-yard touchdown. On the ensuing point after attempt, the Harris County placeholder bobbled the football, which cost the Tigers the extra point and the lead.
The 6-6 score held up through the end of regulation. Hardaway’s offense prepared for overtime against a Harris County defense that had held them scoreless for the entire second half of the game.
The Hawks lost the toss at the beginning of overtime and were forced to take the first overtime offensive possession. As the Hawks were driving deeper into Harris County territory, Jackson and Scott found themselves facing a crucial 4th-and-goal situation. Jackson handed the ball off to Scott, who paved the road to the end zone and a 13-6 score. “I thought I was down, but I had the will to win tonight,” Scott stated after the game.
The defense had to prove themselves again. On a 3rd-and-24 from the Hardaway 29 yard line, Harris County quarterback Detavis Buggs completed a 19-yard pass to Nathan Stowe. It would be his only completion of the night. The Hardaway defense finished the game having created eight Harris County fumbles, four of which were recovered by the Hawks.
Hardaway’s second game proved to be a trying experience for the young Hawks offense, as they found themselves playing in a hostile environment for the second straight week against one of the most successful football programs in the entire state of Georgia: the Valdosta Wildcats. Despite facing a balanced Wildcat offense, the Hawks managed to force three turnovers on interceptions by Scott, Jackson, and Dejon Broussard. Along with the positive turnover ratio, the defense proved to be even stronger in pressure situations, stopping the Wildcats on three separate offensive drives in the red zone. The Hardaway linebacker corps, including Jackson, Chris Hawkins and Jeremiah Henderson, complemented the Hawks pass rush by dismantling the Wildcat short passes.
Unfortunately, the veteran Valdosta defense proved to be more efficient, shutting out the Hardaway offense for a 36-0 score. The game proved to be a valuable learning experience for Gibson, who received the majority of his playing time under center against the Wildcats.
Next on the schedule for the Hawks was cross-town rival Carver, the 2007 Class AAA State Champion. Although Hardaway’s series record against the Tigers was 18-2 going into the game, the two losses came in the past five years, and the Hawks expected a tough battle against the number one team in AA.
The Hawks began with an impressive downfield drive against a Tigers defense that had not allowed a single point in Carver’s first two games. With penalties and broken plays, the Hawks were stopped in the Carver red zone. The game quickly went downhill for Hardaway, as the first play from scrimmage for the Tigers resulted in a 60-yard touchdown from highly-regarded Carver running back Isaiah Crowell. The Hawks managed to keep the score close at 7-0 at the end of the first quarter, the defense was unable to stop Crowell from breaking free on several plays and carrying the Carver offense on his back. Despite the offensive efforts of Scott and Marquis Townsend, the Hardaway offensive was unable to put together a sustained scoring drive. Crowell finished the game with 231 all-purpose yards. After the game, senior linebacker Chris Hawkins said, “The offense did a good job moving the ball, just not enough for a touchdown.” The 44-0 score loomed on the scoreboard after the game. Through three games, Carver had yet to allow a single point, while scoring 121 points on the offense.
In the first three games of the season, QB Gibson has 12 completions in 20 attempts and 156 passing yards. Scott leads the Hawks rushing attack with 36 carries for 214 yards and one touchdown, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. James Triplett adds 167 yards in 27 carries on the ground with one touchdown. Leading the receivers is Scott with eight receptions and 103 yards, and T.J. Coppage with four receptions and 90 yards.
For the defense, Jackson leads the team with 26 tackles and 9 assists. Jeremiah Henderson has 25 tackles with three QB sacks. One bright surprise for head coach Jeff Battles is sophomore defensive lineman Alryk Perry’s team-leading 4.5 sacks in the first three games. Scott also has two interceptions at the CB position.
Leading the Hawks on special teams is punter Raul Echevrria, with nine punts averaging 36.4 yards per punt. On kick and punt returns, Scott has 133 total return yards. As the season continues, the Hawks hope to continue to improve their already impressive defensive statistics and gain more experience on offense.
In 1998, the Hawks went 9-1 in the regular season en route to a playoff berth and an 11-win season. The following year, the Hawks had another playoff berth, going 7-3 in the regular season. Since 2000, Hardaway has compiled a 49-51 overall record. Nevertheless, the Hawks are out to right the ship and prove themselves on the gridiron.
Previous statistics and records have no place in the locker room of the 2010 Hardaway football team. Despite the early 1-2 record, the goal for the 2010 Hardaway High School football campaign remains unchanged: a Region 1-AAAA playoff berth. The Hawks have yet to begin region play, which will start on September 24 against Thomas County Central. With a proper leadership, determination and discipline, the Hawks could very well reach the playoffs in 2010. After all, there’s just something special about the teams that pick themselves up after a defeat, shake off the dirt and play good old-fashioned, smash-mouth football.
by Alex Baker, HHS Journalism • photography by LifeTouch Studios
Sports have been a mainstay in worldwide culture for centuries, partially due to their simplistic nature. There are two options: A team or individual can either win or lose. Winning is considered a success while losing is considered a failure. The only exception is the occasional tie, which may be considered a failure by default. The idea behind sports or any competitive atmosphere is to win. Simply put, anything less than a win is considered a failure.Yet there seems to be something more captivating and inspiring about those who experience losing and rise above the competition to overcome the odds and redeem themselves. One could argue that there is more to be said about such teams or individuals than those that never experience failure. Furthermore, one could ask themselves if losing is really considered a failure if it makes them stronger. For it is in failure that a team or individual really finds themselves as competitors.
On paper, the Hardaway High School football season thus far would appear to be a failure. The Hawks opened the season with a preseason exhibition 35-6 loss on the road to the Smiths Station Panthers. The scrimmage raised many questions for head coach Jeff Battles’ young offense, led by sophomore first-year quarterback Joseph Gibson. Gibson has big shoes to fill, as he is following former quarterback Marcus Smith, who is now a University of Louisville linebacker.
While many of the Hawks’ key offensive players, including Smith, graduated last year, others returned to provide leadership and guidance for one of Hardaway’s youngest offensive attacks in recent years. Senior running back, wide receiver and defensive back Austin Scott was honored in 2009 with Region 1-AAAA First Team recognition at wide receiver. Offensive lineman Eddie Stewart has also returned to play his senior season for the Hawks. Stewart was honored in 2009 as a Region 1-AAAA Second Team selection. Anchoring the defense is senior linebacker Walter Jackson, who also received Region 1-AAAA Second Team recognition. Scott and Jackson were chosen to represent Hardaway in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Dandy Dozen for 2010, an annual group of outstanding football players from the Chattahoochee Valley. Scott and Jackson were All-Bi-City First Team players at their respective positions during the 2009 season. Scott had more than 1,000 all-purpose yards, and Jackson led the defense with 134 tackles.Scott, 5’7”, 170, is being recruited by Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Marshall and Middle Tennessee State. Jackson, 5’11”, 190, has received interest from Georgia Southern, Georgia State, North Alabama and Tennessee-Chattanooga. The two hope to lead by example and take the next generation of Hardaway football players under their wings.
The Hawks opened the 2010 regular season on the road against the Harris County Tigers, who went 5-5 in 2009 on their way to a region playoff appearance. The Tigers defeated the Hawks 34-14 in 2009, which seemed to motivate the Hardaway players in what proved to be a 48-minute defensive battle in regulation that carried over into overtime. The mindset was quickly established for the players with red, gold and white on their backs. The Harris County ground attack was essentially eliminated from start to finish. Despite being outsized, the Hawks pass rush plowed over the Harris County offensive line, flushing the Tigers quarterback out of the pocket and applying pressure play after play. The defensive line and linebacker corps functioned as an impenetrable wall, preventing any breakaway runs for high yardage by the Tigers’ tailbacks.The Harris County run defense proved to be just as effective, as they managed to hold Scott to only 92 rushing yards. As the defensive struggle continued, the teams remained scoreless until the final minute of the first half. A 10-yard run up the middle by Hardaway running back James Triplett, giving the Hawks the 6-0 lead they would take into the locker room. At the 7:43 mark of the third quarter, Harris County answered with a 2-yard touchdown. On the ensuing point after attempt, the Harris County placeholder bobbled the football, which cost the Tigers the extra point and the lead.
The 6-6 score held up through the end of regulation. Hardaway’s offense prepared for overtime against a Harris County defense that had held them scoreless for the entire second half of the game.The Hawks lost the toss at the beginning of overtime and were forced to take the first overtime offensive possession. As the Hawks were driving deeper into Harris County territory, Jackson and Scott found themselves facing a crucial 4th-and-goal situation. Jackson handed the ball off to Scott, who paved the road to the end zone and a 13-6 score. “I thought I was down, but I had the will to win tonight,” Scott stated after the game.
The defense had to prove themselves again. On a 3rd-and-24 from the Hardaway 29 yard line, Harris County quarterback Detavis Buggs completed a 19-yard pass to Nathan Stowe. It would be his only completion of the night. The Hardaway defense finished the game having created eight Harris County fumbles, four of which were recovered by the Hawks.
Hardaway’s second game proved to be a trying experience for the young Hawks offense, as they found themselves playing in a hostile environment for the second straight week against one of the most successful football programs in the entire state of Georgia: the Valdosta Wildcats. Despite facing a balanced Wildcat offense, the Hawks managed to force three turnovers on interceptions by Scott, Jackson, and Dejon Broussard. Along with the positive turnover ratio, the defense proved to be even stronger in pressure situations, stopping the Wildcats on three separate offensive drives in the red zone. The Hardaway linebacker corps, including Jackson, Chris Hawkins and Jeremiah Henderson, complemented the Hawks pass rush by dismantling the Wildcat short passes.
Unfortunately, the veteran Valdosta defense proved to be more efficient, shutting out the Hardaway offense for a 36-0 score. The game proved to be a valuable learning experience for Gibson, who received the majority of his playing time under center against the Wildcats.
Next on the schedule for the Hawks was cross-town rival Carver, the 2007 Class AAA State Champion. Although Hardaway’s series record against the Tigers was 18-2 going into the game, the two losses came in the past five years, and the Hawks expected a tough battle against the number one team in AA.
The Hawks began with an impressive downfield drive against a Tigers defense that had not allowed a single point in Carver’s first two games. With penalties and broken plays, the Hawks were stopped in the Carver red zone. The game quickly went downhill for Hardaway, as the first play from scrimmage for the Tigers resulted in a 60-yard touchdown from highly-regarded Carver running back Isaiah Crowell. The Hawks managed to keep the score close at 7-0 at the end of the first quarter, the defense was unable to stop Crowell from breaking free on several plays and carrying the Carver offense on his back. Despite the offensive efforts of Scott and Marquis Townsend, the Hardaway offensive was unable to put together a sustained scoring drive. Crowell finished the game with 231 all-purpose yards. After the game, senior linebacker Chris Hawkins said, “The offense did a good job moving the ball, just not enough for a touchdown.” The 44-0 score loomed on the scoreboard after the game. Through three games, Carver had yet to allow a single point, while scoring 121 points on the offense.
In the first three games of the season, QB Gibson has 12 completions in 20 attempts and 156 passing yards. Scott leads the Hawks rushing attack with 36 carries for 214 yards and one touchdown, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. James Triplett adds 167 yards in 27 carries on the ground with one touchdown. Leading the receivers is Scott with eight receptions and 103 yards, and T.J. Coppage with four receptions and 90 yards.
For the defense, Jackson leads the team with 26 tackles and 9 assists. Jeremiah Henderson has 25 tackles with three QB sacks. One bright surprise for head coach Jeff Battles is sophomore defensive lineman Alryk Perry’s team-leading 4.5 sacks in the first three games. Scott also has two interceptions at the CB position.
Leading the Hawks on special teams is punter Raul Echevrria, with nine punts averaging 36.4 yards per punt. On kick and punt returns, Scott has 133 total return yards. As the season continues, the Hawks hope to continue to improve their already impressive defensive statistics and gain more experience on offense.
In 1998, the Hawks went 9-1 in the regular season en route to a playoff berth and an 11-win season. The following year, the Hawks had another playoff berth, going 7-3 in the regular season. Since 2000, Hardaway has compiled a 49-51 overall record. Nevertheless, the Hawks are out to right the ship and prove themselves on the gridiron.
Previous statistics and records have no place in the locker room of the 2010 Hardaway football team. Despite the early 1-2 record, the goal for the 2010 Hardaway High School football campaign remains unchanged: a Region 1-AAAA playoff berth. The Hawks have yet to begin region play, which will start on September 24 against Thomas County Central. With a proper leadership, determination and discipline, the Hawks could very well reach the playoffs in 2010. After all, there’s just something special about the teams that pick themselves up after a defeat, shake off the dirt and play good old-fashioned, smash-mouth football.
September 2010
Lady Hawks Softball: One Team, One Goal
by Kayla Staubitz
The Georgia heat is excruciating, but it doesn’t stop the Hardaway Lady Hawks Softball Team from practice. By 3:40 p.m., the girls are dressed, focused and ready to go. The team begins every afternoon with a run around the field followed by stretches and throws. They don’t care about the heat because their minds revolve on one thing: winning. The game takes priority on the field as the girls buckle down into the intensity of practice.
As the girls stretch and separate into slightly smaller arrangements, their nearly unconscious state of sisterhood has its effect. The six freshmen, six sophomores, one junior and two seniors share laughs and engage in small talk with no obvious segregation.
The majority of underclassman is both a challenge and an advantage for coaches. “They have less experience but it gives us as coaches something to look forward to in the years ahead,” Coach Stotser explains.
When the Lady Hawks sit side-by-side in the dugout, a feeling of unity is obvious. They communicate their thoughts unanimously, answer questions in collective breath and finish each other’s sentences perfectly. The team’s opinion is united, with all voices coming together to express their sense of family.
The enthusiasm is genuine as freshman pitcher and outfielder Alex Hartley nods along heartily with her teammates at the idea of their bond. With such a strong connection, one might expect returning players to miss last year’s seniors, and according to senior Roni Lewis, they do. Even so, the team knows they can do well, proving they rely solely on themselves to conquer their opponents. The girls and coaches have extraordinary confidence about how this season will go.
They’re out to win, and it seems nothing will stand in their way. Ask those familiar with Hardaway sports who might be the Lady Hawks’ biggest rival and their first response would likely be Columbus High. Contrarily, the girls take a small moment to consider the matter seriously before loudly answering together, “Northside!”
Stressful as rivalries may be, the Lady Hawks know they can rise to the top. The confidence the girls exude surely fits the expectations of Coaches Gilstrap and Stotser. Stotser says their expectations for this year are to play above .500 and well enough to go all the way to state. Number 25, sophomore Kari Kinser adds with a grin, “We’ve got this!”
Although the girls currently have a 4-2 record, Stotser says, “Coach Gilstrap and I get a bit frustrated with a loss, but the girls tend to get over it pretty quickly.” Win or lose, team practice remains the same unless the coaches notice specific things that need attention. Those things are explained to the girls and corrected. Then practice continues as planned.
Each girl on the team plays a specific position, perhaps two. This is an advantage to the team because the players know they can rely on each other. An example would be infielder Roni Lewis, who hits in the middle of the batting order. The team relies on her to hit the ball when it counts. Another strong player is pitcher Kari Kinser, who also provides leadership among the girls.
by Kayla Staubitz
The Georgia heat is excruciating, but it doesn’t stop the Hardaway Lady Hawks Softball Team from practice. By 3:40 p.m., the girls are dressed, focused and ready to go. The team begins every afternoon with a run around the field followed by stretches and throws. They don’t care about the heat because their minds revolve on one thing: winning. The game takes priority on the field as the girls buckle down into the intensity of practice.
As the girls stretch and separate into slightly smaller arrangements, their nearly unconscious state of sisterhood has its effect. The six freshmen, six sophomores, one junior and two seniors share laughs and engage in small talk with no obvious segregation.
The majority of underclassman is both a challenge and an advantage for coaches. “They have less experience but it gives us as coaches something to look forward to in the years ahead,” Coach Stotser explains.
When the Lady Hawks sit side-by-side in the dugout, a feeling of unity is obvious. They communicate their thoughts unanimously, answer questions in collective breath and finish each other’s sentences perfectly. The team’s opinion is united, with all voices coming together to express their sense of family.
The enthusiasm is genuine as freshman pitcher and outfielder Alex Hartley nods along heartily with her teammates at the idea of their bond. With such a strong connection, one might expect returning players to miss last year’s seniors, and according to senior Roni Lewis, they do. Even so, the team knows they can do well, proving they rely solely on themselves to conquer their opponents. The girls and coaches have extraordinary confidence about how this season will go.
They’re out to win, and it seems nothing will stand in their way. Ask those familiar with Hardaway sports who might be the Lady Hawks’ biggest rival and their first response would likely be Columbus High. Contrarily, the girls take a small moment to consider the matter seriously before loudly answering together, “Northside!”
Stressful as rivalries may be, the Lady Hawks know they can rise to the top. The confidence the girls exude surely fits the expectations of Coaches Gilstrap and Stotser. Stotser says their expectations for this year are to play above .500 and well enough to go all the way to state. Number 25, sophomore Kari Kinser adds with a grin, “We’ve got this!”
Although the girls currently have a 4-2 record, Stotser says, “Coach Gilstrap and I get a bit frustrated with a loss, but the girls tend to get over it pretty quickly.” Win or lose, team practice remains the same unless the coaches notice specific things that need attention. Those things are explained to the girls and corrected. Then practice continues as planned.
Each girl on the team plays a specific position, perhaps two. This is an advantage to the team because the players know they can rely on each other. An example would be infielder Roni Lewis, who hits in the middle of the batting order. The team relies on her to hit the ball when it counts. Another strong player is pitcher Kari Kinser, who also provides leadership among the girls.
Lady Hawks Set the Court for the Season
by Indigo Pullen
With a new coach and a new year, the Hardaway volleyball team is ready to start off the season with a bang. The Lady Hawks prepared for the new season by working on skills and practicing with teams from Columbus and Shaw, and Coach Weed can see improvement.
“I can tell that some of the girls have gotten better this year, and they are still improving every day,” says Weed, who is confident about her team.
Coach Weed expects this year to be successful because the team cares so much. “As soon as I began to coach them, I noticed that they were very dependent and self-motivated,” Weed states. “They seemed to already have their own mind set on how things were suppose to be done.”
Weed has respect for the girls are and how they do things, which she makes clear by her actions. “I don’t really have to get angry or upset when it comes to the girls. Usually they do what they have to do without any problems.”
The girls continue practicing daily after school to keep up their game. Weed says, “Starting off the season strong can only be done if we keep up on practices. If we suddenly don’t practice as much over the school year, there is a chance of them losing what they had learned over the summer.”
Weed is not a volleyball player, but that doesn’t stop her from trying her best. “I don’t have much experience, but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn,” she says. “I enjoy helping young people succeed in their dreams and I enjoy sports a lot. Being the new coach without experience doesn’t mean I’m going to be a bad coach, it just means I’m going to be a new coach with a great team.
“Personalities are the most important thing I need to learn about the girls so that I can understand them and teach them from their comfort zones. …It’s easier for them to understand since it will be from their view,” adds Weed.
This year started well with varsity and junior varsity wins against Callaway. Each team won their 2-of-3 series without playing the third games. Happy with the results, Weed says, “We’re definitely starting off good this year and I’m pleased that they are doing so well. The girls are hard workers who take volleyball seriously, and I take volleyball seriously myself. I expect great things from them.”
Weed’s goal for the team is to go to state this year. Last year the girls made it to the Sweet 16. Weed says, “Last year was good. Sadly, the girls didn’t make it but this year we will definitely be going to state – I’m positive of it. It’s my goal to get these girls to work to their highest potential so that they will get to state this year.”
Coach Weed’s focus is perfecting the game rather than individual plays. “Good hustle is important in the game, and that’s what the team needs to work on,” she says. Other than little things that are easy to fix, she says her team is the best in her eyes. “They have great sportsmanship and they usually run all their plays successfully. I see no problems with the team.”
This year’s team has grown with the addition of many freshmen. Volleyball is becoming a popular sport at Hardaway, and with new girls comes new relationships and talent.
“I see the team as being very close,” says Tiffany Ancrum, one of the Lady Hawks’ key players. “We have our ups and downs of course but we’re like sisters, so that’s okay.” Ancrum has been playing for Hardaway since her freshman year and wants to play volleyball in college. “I love meeting the new people and playing the game, it’s just all-around fun.”
“I really enjoy watching Tiffany play,” Weed smiles. “I enjoy watching her get in her good sets and kill shots.”
Sterling Ancrum, also a key player, follows closely behind her older sister. A sophomore on the varsity squad, she is an all-around good player and talented setter. Her attitude is what stands out most, according to Weed. “She’s always happy and ready to work – she keeps the mood up for the team.”
Essence Howell, another key player, is well-known for her positive attitude, actions and skills on the court. Interested in volleyball since middle school, Howell intends to keep playing if she can get a scholarship. “I like that being in volleyball I’ve made a lot of friends, and had a lot of good times,” says Howell. “Volleyball just is something I love that I don’t see myself not doing.”
Weed says, “Essence is a team player and she is motivation to everyone else. Coaching her is one of the things that are most interesting to me because she is the type that will keep the team working hard, even when they’re at their lowest.”
With the Ancrum sisters, Howell, and the other members of the team, this year is sure to be one of their best. Their rivalry with Columbus High is still strong, and Hardaway is going for gold.
“We won 21 games and lost 10 last year, but this year we hope that we lose less and win more,” says Weed. “When playing a sport like this, you can get so many things out of it, such as scholarships, friendships, and motivation to doing something or be something in the future. So playing isn’t just fun, but it’s also life-changing.”
by Indigo Pullen
With a new coach and a new year, the Hardaway volleyball team is ready to start off the season with a bang. The Lady Hawks prepared for the new season by working on skills and practicing with teams from Columbus and Shaw, and Coach Weed can see improvement.
“I can tell that some of the girls have gotten better this year, and they are still improving every day,” says Weed, who is confident about her team.
Coach Weed expects this year to be successful because the team cares so much. “As soon as I began to coach them, I noticed that they were very dependent and self-motivated,” Weed states. “They seemed to already have their own mind set on how things were suppose to be done.”
Weed has respect for the girls are and how they do things, which she makes clear by her actions. “I don’t really have to get angry or upset when it comes to the girls. Usually they do what they have to do without any problems.”
The girls continue practicing daily after school to keep up their game. Weed says, “Starting off the season strong can only be done if we keep up on practices. If we suddenly don’t practice as much over the school year, there is a chance of them losing what they had learned over the summer.”
Weed is not a volleyball player, but that doesn’t stop her from trying her best. “I don’t have much experience, but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn,” she says. “I enjoy helping young people succeed in their dreams and I enjoy sports a lot. Being the new coach without experience doesn’t mean I’m going to be a bad coach, it just means I’m going to be a new coach with a great team.
“Personalities are the most important thing I need to learn about the girls so that I can understand them and teach them from their comfort zones. …It’s easier for them to understand since it will be from their view,” adds Weed.
This year started well with varsity and junior varsity wins against Callaway. Each team won their 2-of-3 series without playing the third games. Happy with the results, Weed says, “We’re definitely starting off good this year and I’m pleased that they are doing so well. The girls are hard workers who take volleyball seriously, and I take volleyball seriously myself. I expect great things from them.”
Weed’s goal for the team is to go to state this year. Last year the girls made it to the Sweet 16. Weed says, “Last year was good. Sadly, the girls didn’t make it but this year we will definitely be going to state – I’m positive of it. It’s my goal to get these girls to work to their highest potential so that they will get to state this year.”
Coach Weed’s focus is perfecting the game rather than individual plays. “Good hustle is important in the game, and that’s what the team needs to work on,” she says. Other than little things that are easy to fix, she says her team is the best in her eyes. “They have great sportsmanship and they usually run all their plays successfully. I see no problems with the team.”
This year’s team has grown with the addition of many freshmen. Volleyball is becoming a popular sport at Hardaway, and with new girls comes new relationships and talent.
“I see the team as being very close,” says Tiffany Ancrum, one of the Lady Hawks’ key players. “We have our ups and downs of course but we’re like sisters, so that’s okay.” Ancrum has been playing for Hardaway since her freshman year and wants to play volleyball in college. “I love meeting the new people and playing the game, it’s just all-around fun.”
“I really enjoy watching Tiffany play,” Weed smiles. “I enjoy watching her get in her good sets and kill shots.”
Sterling Ancrum, also a key player, follows closely behind her older sister. A sophomore on the varsity squad, she is an all-around good player and talented setter. Her attitude is what stands out most, according to Weed. “She’s always happy and ready to work – she keeps the mood up for the team.”
Essence Howell, another key player, is well-known for her positive attitude, actions and skills on the court. Interested in volleyball since middle school, Howell intends to keep playing if she can get a scholarship. “I like that being in volleyball I’ve made a lot of friends, and had a lot of good times,” says Howell. “Volleyball just is something I love that I don’t see myself not doing.”
Weed says, “Essence is a team player and she is motivation to everyone else. Coaching her is one of the things that are most interesting to me because she is the type that will keep the team working hard, even when they’re at their lowest.”
With the Ancrum sisters, Howell, and the other members of the team, this year is sure to be one of their best. Their rivalry with Columbus High is still strong, and Hardaway is going for gold.
“We won 21 games and lost 10 last year, but this year we hope that we lose less and win more,” says Weed. “When playing a sport like this, you can get so many things out of it, such as scholarships, friendships, and motivation to doing something or be something in the future. So playing isn’t just fun, but it’s also life-changing.”
All photography submitted by Hardaway High School
