Harris County High School Baseball
by Chelsea Walker

After surviving demanding tryouts and proving themselves worthy, a talented group of Harris County baseball players is ready to begin the 2011 season.

Although his players are gifted, head coach Steve Westmoreland is dedicated to improving their skills, on and off the field. “I am impressed with what I have seen and am excited about the season. I really am looking forward to it,” Westmoreland says.

Westmoreland is assisted by HCHS coaches Ben Allen (junior varsity) and Adam Bright (freshmen).  Assistant coaches for the varsity team are Toni Dimitri, an educator at Creekside Intermediate, and Brian Bowen, a chemical engineer at Duracell.

The Tigers are hoping for a successful season, considering the exuberant and contagious support they are receiving from coaches, teammates, fans and the community. Whether it is a scrimmage, region or inter-squad game, Harris Countians are known for coming out, rain or shine, to cheer for the team.

In order to be a Tiger, one has to possess skill, character and the desire to advance as a team. Many returning players grew up together, but new players are welcomed and can easily find their place on the team.

It seems as though Harris County baseball is a family tradition. Senior varsity starter Brandon Goldsmith has played baseball since he was a child and his younger brother, Spencer, is on the freshmen squad. “[The team is] well put together,” Brandon Goldsmith says. “I’m ready to show everyone how hard we’ve worked so far.” Goldsmith is looking forward to the game against Columbus High School. Sophomore Ty Edwards, younger brother of varsity player Haden Edwards, is happy to be among so many friends.

When Westmoreland first came to the area, he developed a way for girls to become involved with his baseball program: the Diamond Dolls. Headed by Leigh Kosobucki, the Diamond Dolls are student-ambassadors for the HCHS baseball teams. Responsible for much more than just attending games, they are hostesses at home games and concession stand waitresses during evening games. They also sell spirit wear, encourage the Tigers and most important, they manage the press box. This year the Diamond Dolls will be “sisters” to the varsity players, providing their favorite snacks and wishing them luck before a game.

A Family That Plays Together, Stays Together
by Chelsea Walker

The members of the Harris County High School boys and girls basketball teams began their season with hopeful attitudes and the desire to win. Before each game, they take time to pray together and review their strategies. Varsity coaches Stephanie Ramsey and Derrick Arrington agree that their players demonstrate their best abilities until the final horn.

In November, the Tigers participated in a scrimmage match against the Hardaway Hawks and unfortunately suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss. From the experience, they learned to play as a team and put their best foot forward. “It takes a team to win each game, not just individual players,” says Arrington, who has developed a strong bond with current and past players.

Junior Antonio Smith joined the Tigers basketball team this season and quickly proved that he deserved his position. Smith displays great defensive and offensive skills, has put multiple points on the board in every game and does not mind giving a kind word to his teammates.

No stranger to the court, Felix Shirley has frequently been on the front page of the sports section of the Harris County Journal.  Standing 5’6”, he plays with the heart of a Tiger and doesn’t allow an opponent to stand in the way of his target. Like his teammates, Shirley believes that no game should be considered a complete loss. After losing to the LaGrange Grangers, he said, “You can’t win every game. It is our responsibility to learn from this and move on so that the next time, we can do better. In order to value a win like you should, you have to lose at least once.”

The members of the HCHS Lady Tigers basketball team know what it takes to be a team player. The talented young women help one another on and off the court. One of the team leaders is junior D’Neisha Brooks, who constantly strives to become a better player and captain. This year truly became a “family affair” for Brooks when her younger sister, freshman Miesha Brooks, joined the varsity team. The sisters enjoy competing together and can be seen on the court taking it to the hoop.

Coach Ramsey stresses the term “together” to the girls and what it means to be united on the floor. The team’s first win came in November against the Shaw Lady Raiders. In December, Harris County defeated the St. Anne-Pacelli Lady Vikings. Throughout the game, the Lady Tigers pressed their rivals, made steals and followed through until the end.

Two of a Kind
by Brandon Walker

Although many spotlights tend to focus on senior athletes, two sophomores at Harris County High School deserve attention. Tenth-graders James “Jay” Ellison and Tyler Denova are key competitors in the Tigers wrestling program. With their exceptional skill, talent and dedication, the pair is bound for success.

Ellison is a 6’2”, 285-pound athletic phenomenon with an impressive 320-pound bench press, 315-pound power clean and 565-pound squat. Although Ellison towers over his peers, he is known by students, teachers and coaches to have a good-natured, playful heart. But his friendliness should not be mistaken for weakness when it comes to his sports performance.

Ellison began his athletic career at Harris County by securing a starting position at tight end on the varsity football team his freshman year.  At defensive end this season, his ability on the field was marked by accumulated tackles.  After a less than stellar football season that ended with a 3-7 record, Ellison decided to try a new sport: wrestling. Despite being a rookie on the mat, Ellison has earned a record of 20-4 in JV and varsity wrestling this season.  “Although Jay is a newcomer to wrestling, you can look for big things out of him in the future,” says head coach David Dennie.

Denova has big shoes to fill. With an already-familiar name in Georgia’s wrestling community, Denova has been influenced by his brother, Joey, a three-time state wrestling champion. However, Denova uses his older brother’s success as motivation. The humble athlete loves wrestling, a sport in which he has been involved for as long as he can remember. For the past two years, Denova has competed on the HCHS Tiger wrestling team and Team Georgia.

When asked why he favors wrestling, Denova says, “I like that it is a single sport and I only have to depend on myself. It will help make me a better person.” After graduating high school, Denova wants to wrestle for a school in the Big Ten Conference. Dennie and coach Ryan Freeman have encouraged Denova to reach his full potential in sports and academics, and Harris County has great expectations for him in the years to come.

The Tigers have a team record of 2-2 and placed fourth in the Stockbridge Tournament. The squad is significantly small but Dennie hopes to recruit more students to participate in the wrestling program in the near future. Michael Boyette and John Nolin were chosen as captains for the 2010-2011 season because of their exemplary skills and attitudes.

Shooting Past Expectations
by Chelsea Walker

Harris County High School is returning strong for the 2010-2011 basketball season. The girls and boys squads have each acquired new players and are expected to come on the court with stamina, dedication and most of all, skill. The Tigers are in Region AAAA for the second consecutive year and are ready to prove themselves. This year, Derrick Arrington will preside as the Tigers head coach while new addition Steffane Ramsey will coach the Lady Tigers.

Tryouts were held on October 25- 26 at the HCHS gymnasium. Those who tried out were tested for their ability to shoot, defensive mechanics, offensive tactics and compatibility with other participants. Shouts of praise and direction could be heard echoing throughout the gym. The roster was posted on October 26, but the team wasn’t complete. There were still managers and players from the football season who had not been given their chance to shine. After a heartbreaking loss in the season’s last football game, they transitioned from the field to the court.

Senior small forward Rodney Stark said that he really enjoyed the tryouts. “It was great!” says Stark. “We could finally see how we would interact and feed off each other.”

Team leaders Harold Carter and Aysha Jenkins were impressed with the effort made on the court, including that of coaches and players. Everyone has been working to reach their full potential and to be seen as individuals who aspire to be the best.

Coaches Arrington and Ramsey are in the process of bonding with the young men and women who were chosen to work with them. “I think this team may have a chance to change the basketball culture at Harris County,” says Arrington. Ramsey, who used to teach at Hardaway High School, voiced her opinion as well. “The girls have really been working hard. I always tell them hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Junior Breanna Green also tried out post-football. She became center and proudly announces how anxious she is to head to practice during the week.

Last year, the Lady Tigers suffered the loss of Santrell Sweet, whose number 12 jersey remains in the locker room in her honor.

The team motto of “Why not us?” will be remembered in their games and challenges. Loyal fans will fill the home side of the Tigers gym to cheer on their teams. The HCHS basketball cheerleaders are committed to support the squads and cheer with everything they have.

The season began against LaGrange High School on November 16.  Time will tell if the Tigers and Lady Tigers will surpass expectations.

The Mark of a True Leader
by Will White

Some coaches define themselves by the victories they accumulate. Ironically, many of these coaches are soon forgotten. They seem to shine brilliantly for a while and then fade into the background. It is the coaches who do not call attention to themselves that continue to shine. Coach Austin Shepherd is one of them.

Coach Shepherd led the Harris County High School shotgun team to national championships in 2009 and 2010 in Scholastic Clay Target Program and in International Trap in 2009. The International Trap Competition was a qualifier for the Junior Olympics. HCHS student Michael Chambliss qualified.

Shepherd has had an incredible career at Harris County.  He has been a coach of the HCHS shotgun team for 10 years, spending seven years as head coach. His teams have placed in the top three at state competition every year and for every event in which they competed, accumulating 10 state championships along the way.

Despite his stellar record, many HCHS students are not aware of Shepherd or that shotgun is a legitimate sport or that Harris County has a shotgun team.   Yet, Harris County is a powerhouse in the sport. When asked what it’s like to have such a winning record, he shares he “…has been fortunate to be able to serve such fine young men and women.” Shepherd enjoys watching his players grow and mature on and off the range, learning the life lessons that shotgun taught them.

Racing to the Top    
by Brandon Walker, HCHS Journalism

Dedication. Sacrifice. Passion. Those are words that might conjure the image of a strong warrior, but in this case they pertain to the Harris County High School cross country team. The school day at Harris County ends at 3:30 p.m. While other students go home and continue their normal lives, the cross country team begins their rigorous training routine of daily three-mile runs, speed training and endurance training.

The HCHS cross country team has learned that focusing on hard work not only benefits them on the field but also for challenges in the classroom. Girls team captain and senior Kelsie Anderson has grasped that concept well. Anderson is enrolled in Honors Economics and AP British Literature as well as the HCHS Gifted Internship Program at Park Elementary School as a physical education assistant. “My experience in AP Literature has made it much easier for me to achieve in cross country. Our weekly timed writings have skilled me in pacing myself on the field,” Anderson says.

Tigers head cross country coaches Kristy Bradley and Mindy Johnson, who are also sisters, are as physically fit as their team. In their spare time, they run and exercise in the school gym. Boys team captain, senior Shelby Mathis, finds his coaches to have key roles in the team’s success. “K.B. and M.J. encourage us every day to push ourselves. They often say, ‘If we can do it, then so can you!’” says Mathis.

In previous years, Harris County’s cross country team did not have many runners. This year the Tigers have grown to an all-time high, 18-member squad. The majority of the team consists of sophomores, but the leaders of the team are seniors. Jessica Bowen, John Wright and Michael Grant, along with captains Mathis and Anderson, keep the Tigers going strong.

With the team’s newly acquired myriad of runners has come much improvement. Some of the top times for the boys come from Jordan Creech (19:31, 3.1 miles), Caleb Patrick (19:42, 3.1 miles) and Haley Powell (24:21, 3.1 miles). The program’s training, long hours and expense has paid off immensely. Recently, the girls placed third at the Upson-Lee Invitational.

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better
by Amanda Whittemore • photography by Amanda Whittemore

Jagger and Detavis ‘Tay’ Buggs are a perfect example of sibling rivalry. The brothers play vital roles on the Harris County High School football team.

Senior Tay Buggs has incredible speed. The 6’1”, 170-pound quarterback holds the HCHS record for his 4.3-second 40-yard dash. Head coach Tommy Parks says he has a “mother hen-type personality” and always wants to make sure everything is okay with everyone on the team.

“[Tay] is a great young man, dedicated, enjoys the game, and lets you coach him,” says offensive coach Tommy Drew. “The only thing Tay absolutely hates about football is the ice bath they are required to take every Thursday!”

Tay Buggs is more laid back than his brother and often referred to as a “ladies man.” Spanish teacher Tammy Bailey says, “What a charmer! He is a really sweet guy.  One can’t help but smile when he’s in the room.”

While Tay Buggs is charming, Jagger Buggs is a prankster who likes to make people laugh. Bailey says, “Jag is such a smart young man. He has grown and matured so much in the last year. I’m so proud to see him take advantage of all his abilities and reach his full potential.

Jagger Buggs, a 6’2”, 210-pound linebacker, enjoys playing on the opposite side of the line from his brother.  Coach Parks says, “Jag actually moved from wide receiver to linebacker just this past summer. Once he gets more experienced, he will be very good. He is a lot like Tay in many ways, just more competitive, and quite the class clown.”

Not only does Jagger Buggs have outstanding athletic ability, he also has a 3.5 grade point average. “Jagger is definitely the more competitive one of the two,” says their father, Charlie Buggs.

“I like having Jag on the other side of the line because it makes me want to do better than what he’s doing, which pushes him to do better than me,” says Tay Buggs. “But that only makes us closer in the long run.”

Harris County’s Triple Threat
by Amanda Whittemore

Tumbling passes, jump sequences and being tossed 10-20 feet in the air are no-brainers for cheerleaders all over America. They are great at what they do. At Harris County High School, there are three senior varsity cheerleaders who set themselves apart.

Kylie Powell, Vanessa Galvan and Amanda Whittemore were selected from hundreds of high school cheerleaders statewide as finalists for the prestigious Georgia Cheerleader of the Year scholarship.

To earn the scholarship, applicants have to meet many requirements. Not only do they have to write an exquisite essay, they must have several recommendation letters, an academic standing within the top 10 percent of their class, and an abundance of community service, honors, activities and awards.

The application process for Cheerleader of the Year (COTY) began in June. The girls helped each other apply and revise their essays until everything was perfect. At the end of July, the girls learned they made it to the Top 40.

Each girl then had to perform an individual routine for a judging panel. In this routine, they were asked to demonstrate two of the three elements used in cheerleading: tumbling, jumping and stunting. Competitors could use only two of the three elements in their individual routines without being disqualified. After performing in the morning, the girls were thrilled to learn by late afternoon that they had done exceptionally well.

Competitors are allowed to have their routines choreographed by an outside expert. Galvan and Whittemore relied on the choreography skills of Lorenzo Scott, who was a former part of United Cheerleading of Columbus before opening his gym, Ace. Scott’s prior success with COTY applicants includes choreographed performances that resulted in first place, the top 16 and the All-State team.

Tonya Healy was Powell’s choreographer. As the former owner of Freedom Cheerleading/Ace Cheerleading, Healy has coaching experience that includes past Harris County competition teams. She now works for Troup County Spirit in LaGrange, Georgia.

After performing, each girl had to complete an interview. The girls prepared for the interview with the help of Harris County School Board Chairwoman Karen Hopkins, who is skilled in interview technique.

The COTY interview questions ranged from “How is cheerleading important in the lives of women today?” to “What is the most unusual thing about your family?” Once again, all three girls exceeded the standard and raised the bar.

As a result, all three girls placed in the Top 16 for Georgia High School Cheerleader of the Year.  In addition, they made the Georgia High School All-State Team.

The 16 All-State cheerleaders were announced onsite after the competition.  The All-State cheerleaders will be presented with a certificate and a $100 scholarship at the conclusion of the GHSA Cheerleading State Championship on November 13, 2010.

At that time, the Georgia Cheerleader of the Year scholarship winner, who is also the top scorer in the All-State competition, will be announced, and all scholarships will be presented. The Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association annually awards scholarships of $3,500 to the GCCA All-State squad.

Powell, Galvan and Whittemore are coached by Tammy Bailey, Annesley Kendall and Meghan Mock. Bailey describes the trio as “exceptional in the classroom, superb work ethic, genuine kind-hearted personalities and amazing young women overall.” Bailey calls them the “Triple Threat” because Harris County is the only school with three representatives on the All-State squad.

The Triple Threat is remarkable in all cheer elements, but each girl feels they exceed in specific areas. Galvan’s tumbling is her forte, while Powell feels flying and being thrown in the air is her niche. Whittemore feels her jumps are her strongest skill.  All three offer strong leadership to their high school team as senior co-captains.

The girls have a demanding practice schedule, which shows in their skill and technique. “We practice Monday mornings, Monday afternoons, Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, Thursday afternoons, Friday afternoons before football games, Saturday mornings and Sunday nights,” says Powell. “It’s tough but worth it!”

Flashy routines, rigorous interviews, outstanding academics and unique personalities – the Triple Threat seems to have it all. With everything they have going for them and all that they have put into a sport that often dominates their lives, they are destined to go far in the future.

Galvan is the daughter of Sergio and Monica Galvan and resident of Hamilton, Georgia.  She plans to attend the University of Georgia to major in chemistry with a minor in psychology. She is ranked sixth in her class despite a schedule packed with AP classes.

“Regardless of the outcome, Cheerleader of the Year has been one of the most unforgettable experiences,” Galvan says. “From the application to the interview and performance, to the support I’ve received from my school, team, friends and family, this process has been a learning and humbling experience.”

Powell is the daughter of Tracy and Susan Powell and a resident of Cataula, Georgia. She is ranked 38th in her class and works as hard as she can in the classroom. Powell is considering Mercer University, University of Georgia or University of Alabama as potential choices for a major in biology. She would like to become a pediatrician.

“I got so excited when the announcer called out all three of our names! I couldn’t be more excited or proud of the three of us,” Powell says.

Whittemore is the daughter of Teresa and Jeff Stewart and a resident of Waverly Hall, Georgia. Ranked 36th in her class, Whittemore is pushes herself with honors classes. A perfectionist, she must make As and likes to be neat and organized. Her college choices include Georgia College and State University, University of Alabama or Kennesaw. She plans to major in education or journalism with a minor in dance.

“This entire experience has been an incredible journey. It’s most definitely been life-changing. Whoever God has in store to win, so be it. I’m just so glad to be taking a part in making Harris County proud,” Whittemore says.

Perfect Pitching
by Chelsea Walker, HCHS Journalism

The girls on the Harris County High softball team may not be perfect, but they can definitely pitch a perfect game. Junior Savannah Carlisle did just that in a game against Upson-Lee. The feisty, upbeat player is known for her enthusiasm on the field. However, she is not the only outstanding member of the team. Each participant offers something special.

Brooke Zuerner returned for another year as head coach. Zuerner primarily emphasizes application followed by sportsmanship and teamwork.  She looks at the varsity and junior varsity girls as her daughters, treating them all the same and giving valuable advice.

The Lady Tigers practice daily to improve their strengths and weaknesses. Senior Olivia Wolfe says, “It’s just mind over matter,” when referring to their challenges, such as difficult region matches and the heat. They support each other at games because they believe that is what it takes to be prosperous.  The Lady Tigers are the epitome of the saying, “It’s not altitude, it’s attitude.”

The girls earned second place in the Shaw Tournament in September and won a game against Starrs-Mill.

Serving It Up
by Chelsea Walker, HCHS Journalism

Some believe that a team is only as strong as its weakest player, but the Harris County High Lady Tigers volleyball team has yet to find a weak player. The young ladies have come together on and off of the court, helping one another become better players and role models.

“As a team, we have been through a lot,” varsity captain and senior Maria Van Allen says. “We all have so much in common on the court, like our passion to play and desire to win. The coaches constantly encourage us to leave our baggage off the court so that nothing can affect us during practice and games.”

Bianca Brochu and Kaye Beck are a challenge for opponents with their swift moves and fierce serves. Upcoming players Lindsey Hurst and Emily Koutsky are proving to be worthy captains for the junior varsity.

Coaches Robert Grant and Gary Johannes dedicate themselves to both teams, setting up practices each day to promote skill improvement, fitness, and trust among teammates.

The Lady Tigers placed second in the Silver Bracket of the Darlington Tournament, and both squads have defeated Shaw, LaGrange and Brookstone. When these capable players have their minds focused on a win, they can definitely serve it up on the court.

Cheering With The Stars
by Chelsea Walker, HCHS Journalism

Harris County High School seniors Vanessa Galvan, Amanda Whittemore and Kylie Powell advanced to the Top 40 in the Cheerleader of the Year competition held August 14 at Columbus State University.

The Harris trio competed against more than 100 senior cheerleaders from high school programs across the state in the first portion of the competition based on the scholarship application. The three later advanced to the Top 16 after being judged in an interview and presentation of a two-minute routine, which showcased their cheering skills. The competition is organized by the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association (GCCA).

The All-State cheerleading squad will be presented at the conclusion of the GHSA Cheerleading State Championship to be held in Columbus, Georgia, on November 13.  At that time, the Georgia Cheerleader of the Year scholarship winner and the top scorer in the All-State competition will be announced and all scholarships will be presented.

GCCA annually awards scholarships of $3,500 to the All-State squad in addition to plaques, patches, medals and certificates. The Cheerleader of the Year will receive a $1,350 scholarship, and the runner-up will receive a $750 scholarship.