Northside Coach Impacts Two Programs
by Gabby Wilson

When one thinks about athletic leadership at Northside High School, Candace Turner comes to mind.  Turner has been the Lady Patriots head basketball coach for four years.

In past years, Turner was a very successful basketball player.  Graduating from Cedar Shoals High School in Athens, Georgia, Turner's team won its sub-region and region twice, had three state playoff appearances and was state runner-up her senior year.  Her team's overall high school record was 101- 13.  After graduating high school, Turner received a scholarship from Columbus State University.

While attending CSU, Turner was equally successful in her basketball career.  Her team was a two-time region and Peach Belt conference winner and advanced the NCAA Final Four.  Her team's record was 108-24.

“[Turner] was the most all-around gifted basketball player ever to play at CSU,” says Jay Sparks, former head women’s basketball coach and current athletic director at Columbus State University. “From the first day of practice her freshman year to the last game played in the NCAA regionals her senior year, Candace was as determined to succeed as anyone that has worn the CSU uniform.  What a pleasure and honor it was to coach her, to marvel at her leadership, and to watch her take teams to a level that none of her teammates thought they could go.”

Turner received the CSU Scholar Athlete of the Year award in 2002 followed by the Charles Eason Leadership Award in 2003.  She was awarded the NCAA Woman of the Year for Georgia as well as the title of CSU Female Athlete of the Year.

In addition to coaching at Northside, Turner is a first grade teacher at North Columbus Elementary School.  She began her teaching career there when the school opened in 2006 but chose not to coach her first year.  "I love the kids.  I go from five- to seven-year olds to 14- to 18-year-olds daily.  I absolutely love watching them set goals, work toward them and achieve them.  My job is so rewarding," Turner says.  Teaching and coaching at different schools can be difficult, but Turner says both principals are very supportive and help make the experience as stress-free as possible.

"Candace was incredible and outstanding as a first-year teacher, and she continues to be," says Dawn Upshaw, principal of North Columbus Elementary.  "She gives 100 percent all the time and always looks to improve her teaching skills.  She comes to teach every day.  She is a teacher first, but a leader by example.  She holds a very high leadership position in the building."

Turner also coaches volleyball at Northside, which allows her another opportunity to help students follow through with their goals. "Coach Turner has helped me succeed not only as a volleyball and basketball player, but as a person," says sophomore Hope Thomas.  "It has always been in her best interest to look out for her players.  Having already helped my sister, Jodie Thomas, and many others receive a sports scholarship, I have no doubt that she will do the same for me."

Turner is passionate about her players and the game of basketball.  "I feel I can connect with my players easily because I have been in their position.  I have won, lost, played through some tough games, [and] tough practices, and I have experienced conditioning while trying to maintain academics," says Turner.

Northside's Dynamic Duo
by Gabby Wilson

The girls varsity soccer team at Northside High School is loaded with talent, but two of the team’s younger players stand out. With tremendous athleticism, academic ability and character, sophomores Rachel Hawk and Stephanie Kolwicz are a dynamic duo, well representing Northside soccer on and off the field.

Rachel Hawk is ranked number five in the sophomore class with a 4.25 grade point average.  She has been a starting varsity volleyball player, in the full rotation, her freshman and sophomore years.   Along with her rigorous academic and athletic schedule, Hawk plays guitar and is a part of Northside Singers, a group consisting of the school’s best vocalists.  She was nominated for the Governor's Honors Program in the category of Chemistry.

When it comes to soccer, Hawk is just as successful on the field as she is in the classroom.  She has been the starting goalie on the varsity soccer team for two years.  She made 136 saves and is one of the best goalies in the state of Georgia. Although she is a talented goalie, Hawk is considered to be an all-around player because she can play any position on the field.   She received Honorable Mention for the All-Bi-City soccer team.

In previous years, Hawk has played for the Columbus Youth Soccer Association (CYSA), Midland Middle School and RedStar.  Hawk began playing soccer at the age of four and has not stopped since.  Her father has had a huge impact on her soccer career, coaching her for six years in CYSA on their Hawks team.

"There is nothing like stopping a really good shot,” says Hawk.  “Soccer gives me a rush that nothing else can and also gives me something to look forward to.  I love staying in shape and it motivates me to keep my grades up.  Soccer is just a way of life and I love it."

Stephanie Kolwicz is one of five soccer-playing sisters.  Kolwicz learned the game of soccer from her older sisters, who have shared their love of soccer with her.  She desires to be the best she can be in soccer and in school.  Ranked number seven in the sophomore class with a 4.25 grade point average, Kolwicz aspires to become a physical therapist.  Kolwicz received the 9th Grade Engineering Award her freshman year along with taking on one of the most difficult freshman schedules.  Kolwicz's favorite subjects are chemistry and Spanish, of which she taking her third course.  She also joined the Northside yearbook staff this year.

Kolwicz is a starting center mid-fielder and like Hawk, considered to be an all-around player and one of the best in the city.  In previous years, Kolwicz has played soccer for CYSA, RedStar, Midland Middle School and the Olympic Development Program. She now plays for the Concorde Fire South 95 Elite program, which is the top youth team in Georgia.  Playing with these various teams has taken Kolwicz all over the country.  In the upcoming months, she will travel with the Concorde Fire to San Antonio, Texas, and Aurora, Colorado.  Handling such a schedule can be tough.  Kolwicz does homework in the car on the way to her practices and sleeps on the way home.

"I enjoy playing soccer because it provides opportunities to travel around the country and meet new friends from different states,” says Kolwicz.  “Having such a hectic schedule has also taught me how to manage my time wisely and keep my priorities in order, along with keeping me closer to my family."

Hawk and Kolwicz met on the soccer field in first grade.   They share the same passion and love for soccer, and they encourage each other as well as their team to do their best and never give up.

"Together, Rachel and Stephanie's assets to our team have helped us become more competitive,” says Marianne Sheehan, Northside girls head soccer coach.  “Their abilities helped build the team to make it stronger than it has been in the past as we made the second round in the state playoffs in 2010."

The girls play the game well.  Sheehan says she looks forward to working with the girls and she expects them to be better than ever this year as well as to return as the leaders they are.  She hopes their attitude and skill serve as motivation for all players on the team.

"We are so lucky to have both girls.  They are assets to our team.  Rachel and Stephanie are wonderful, well-rounded young women who work hard on the field and in the classroom.  They make my job so much fun," says Teresa Roberts, Northside girls assistant coach.

The dynamic duo not only represents Northside soccer well, they also represent Northside High School well.   They work hard and never give up.  They are outstanding students and athletes.

"Soccer is a mind game.  You have to be one pass ahead of your opponent," says Kolwicz.

It Keeps Getting Better
by Gabby Wilson • photography by Northside Yearbook Staff

Northside High School is fortunate to have Coach Morgan Ingram as its high school athletic director.  The two-time AAA Athletic Director of the Year is a dedicated father, husband, teacher and coach. He teaches Accelerated Math and serves on Northside's Leadership Team.  Ingram also holds the position of offensive coordinator for the Patriots football team.

"Morgan is very honorable man," says David Smart, Northside head baseball coach.  “He is so supportive and everything he does is for the good of the program.  He is always there when all the coaches, including myself, need advice and he has a great influence on the students, athletes, coaches and other staff members at Northside.”

Despite a busy schedule, Ingram’s family comes first.  He is happily married to Kacy Ingram, who teaches at Midland Middle School.  They have two daughters, Romie, 11, and Riley, eight.

"With all the responsibilities Coach Ingram has, he always makes time to be a father and a husband,” says sophomore Marybeth Wilson.  “Along with always making time to be at games, Coach Ingram brings Romie and Riley with him.  All the players love seeing them, and the girls always help with motivation before a game."

In the classroom and on the field, Ingram is determined to make sure everyone is taken care of and benefits in some way.  He lets his coaches, players and students know that he cares, has an open mind and is always ready to listen.

"I can always depend on Coach for everything, and I know I'm not the only person," says senior Brandon Baker.  “He is loved by everyone and even though I'll be graduating this year, I'll always remember Coach Ingram and how he was always there for us."

Northside went through a drastic change when moving up in divisions for the 2010-2011 school year.  Ingram, principal James Wilson and the rest of the Northside staff were under a great deal of pressure.  Ingram stayed positive throughout the transition and set an example for the rest of the school.  Ingram remains upbeat no matter the situation and handles complications with class and poise.

"If you were to search the job description for an athletic director, you would find Coach Ingram's name there," says Candice Turner, Northside girls basketball coach.  “He doesn't sweat the small things, which does take a lot of pressure off of the coaches and players.  He is just overall a wonderful boss.”

Ingram is not the average athletic director.  He has become a part of Northside that can never be replaced.  He takes his job to the next level, and the Northside coaching staff is now, more than ever, a family.  The Northside athletic department has flourished dramatically since the school first opened.  Thanks to Ingram, it just keeps getting better.

Patriots Wrestling
by Gabby Wilson • photography by Lance Henderson

This year, the Patriots wrestling team added a new assistant coach, Matt Redmond. The team has only four seniors but they are ready to continue the Patriots’ winning tradition.

The team was concerned with leadership roles but the veteran wrestlers rose to the occasion. “As a senior on the team, I have to set an example for my fellow teammates. We cannot slack off, we must respect others, and we must dedicate all of our time to the team,” says Connor Smith.

The boys are working to improve their technique and become stronger. As they prepare for each match, one word is on their minds: Pin!

“Technique beats strength any day. When we go out on the mat, this is the key we have to remember, even if we do not pin our opponent. The only thing that matters is that we put forth all of our effort and leave nothing on the mat,” says senior Mason Klein.

“I have much higher expectations for this year. I’m looking forward to what this year is going to bring us and to our improvements from last year,” says head coach Lance Henderson.

New Beginnings for Northside Softball
by Gabby Wilson • photography by NHS Yearbook Staff

The Northside Patriots softball team began the 2010 season with a brand new coaching staff consisting of head coach David Smart and assistant coaches Dee Miller, Keshia Whitmer and Amber Browning.  The team, which was predominantly underclassmen, found a positive side to starting from scratch.  Their goal was to prevail over underestimation.

“We didn’t know what to expect from this season and that worried us.  Most people looked down on us and didn’t think that we would be able to make it as far as we did.  It was exciting to exceed the standards of others and show them what we’re made of,” says senior catcher Laney Brittingham.

The Lady Patriots found themselves overcoming numerous obstacles throughout the season and when situations became tough, the ladies put on their game faces. The year ended with many accomplishments for Northside, including a fourth-place finish in Region 4-AAAA.  Sophomore left fielder Ashleigh Heard and junior pitcher Haley Elver were named to the All Bi-City softball team while seniors Kristin Qualls, Laney Brittingham and Jessica Hart received Honorable Mentions.

“This was an amazing season.  Even though we started without our heads in the game, we came out strong.  We’re all blessed to have a great coach who wants to help us.  This season, it feels like we’re a family instead of just a normal team and that makes all the difference.  We all just hope for the same and even more next year,” said Elver.

The ladies had a 13-14 record, which might not look impressive to outsiders. But after moving up in division, working with a brand new coaching staff and fielding such a young team, the girls made Northside and their coaches proud.

Respect All, Fear None
by Gabby Wilson

Like many teams at Northside High School, the boys basketball team is young.  But the Patriots are returning a few key players and coaches are looking forward to great season.

“The team was young last year with three freshmen and one sophomore in the starting lineup, so the team struggled during the season. The team has worked hard all summer and has shown much improvement so far,” says head coach Kenny Lawrence.

Youth might be a challenge, but the boys will rely on hard work, dedication and confidence to guide them through the struggle to gel as a team.  They have set high team and individual goals and are determined to succeed.

“I can speak for the whole team when I say that I am so pumped to see what this season is going to bring us.  We have worked so hard and added some awesome guys to the team, and we are ready to bring home some wins,” says sophomore shooting and point guard R.J. Sessions.

The team plans to have an outstanding record this season, which should not be difficult for a team with such drive.  “This year, our team is better than ever before.  We will not settle for anything less than the best,” said sophomore small forward and center Harold Givens.

The Patriots basketball team is ready to accept the challenges by remembering their motto: Respect all and fear none.

Northside Stays Positive On and Off the Field
by Gabby Wilson, NHS Journalism • photography courtesy of Kelly Lovell

On the evening of Friday, September 10, 2010, a car driven by Northside High School senior William Robinson swerved off the road, hitting a tree and ending Robinson’s life.  The following Tuesday, Northside math teacher Phillip Schley lost the battle for his life from post-surgical complications.  As both Robinson and Schley were members of the Northside family, the football team found themselves down on their knees with the rest of the school in heartache and prayer.

Offensive coordinator and Northside High athletic director Morgan Ingram searched for ways the team could honor their fallen Patriots.  After weeks of thought on the matter, Ingram presented the perfect idea: a memorial sticker on the Patriots football helmets.  The stickers would be monograms – “WR” for Will Robinson and “PS” for Phillip Schley.  The team was extremely supportive of this idea.

"Now that we know we have these stickers on our helmets, it feels as if we are actually playing for something instead of just going on the field to try on win or make the coaches proud," says senior offensive guard Casey Jones.  Jones had classes with Robinson and says that he was a cool, down-to-earth, smart and funny guy.  "He was a guy who will be greatly missed and will always be loved," continued Jones.

Northside played Thomas County Central when wearing the stickers for the first time.  The game was different for some of the players, especially since they had changed their mindsets.  Many senior players took the loss the hardest.   Even the players who did not know Robinson or were enrolled in a class with Schley were devastated.  The team was excited to dedicate this season to their memories.

"I think the stickers are a way of showing respect and helping us to always remember them.  We never want to lose our memories of them," says senior strong safety Tim Bennett.  “If Will and Mr. Schley were here to see us play with the stickers on our helmets, I think they would be proud.  They were both caring and loving people who would have enjoyed seeing us do something with joy instead of being sad.”

Ingram was proud of the way the team handled the loss of a fellow student and their teacher.   "Although some were close to Will and Mr. Schley, the guys all worked together to cope," Ingram says.  “They were well liked among our whole team.  Mr. Schley was one of the most supportive teachers of the football team, and I know the team appreciated him.  I think he would be honored to have his initials on our helmets.  He really wouldn’t want us to do it, but he would be honored.”

All of the coaches guarantee that the team is staying strong and positive.  The stickers are a symbol that keeps their memories real and relevant.  “The boys are young.  They live for the day.  But the stickers provide a constant reminder of how fragile life is and helps keep things in perspective," says Ingram.

"Being seniors, we have to stay strong for the rest of the team,” says senior running back Michael Faggett.  “When Coach Ingram told us about the stickers, I was excited because this was a way that we could all stay strong together.  I could still be a leader, and we could show everyone how much we cared as a team.”

Robinson and Schley were also given a tribute at Northside's Homecoming game against Columbus High.  Students, faculty, and any person who wanted to show their support wore bowties in honor of Schley, who was known for wearing them to school every day.  Students wore T-shirts in honor of Will Robinson.  The marching band played "Amazing Grace" as the students released red and blue balloons into the sky.

"Will and Mr. Schley will always be missed.  We will never forget them, even after we graduate," says senior offensive tackle Brandon Baker.

A Run for Your Money
by Gabby Wilson, NHS Journalism • photography courtesy of Kayla Parsons

At the age of 13, Kayla Parsons discovered the sport of running and how it would change her life. Now a junior at Northside High School, Parsons is one of the most successful runners in Georgia.

Parsons holds Northside’s record in track for the one-mile and two-mile run.  In her sophomore year, she earned second in region and seventh at the state level for the two-mile run.  Parsons also runs cross country and holds a position on the Leadership Team.  She was part of the All-Bi-City cross country and track teams her freshman and sophomore years and received a varsity letter each year.

“Running means a lot to me,” Parsons says. “It gives me a chance to escape the weights of the world, be myself and just have fun. It's a great way to stay healthy and I can continue this wonderful activity for the rest of my life.”

Parsons also plays forward on the Lady Patriots varsity soccer team.  She swims the freestyle and the breast stroke for the swim team and has earned varsity letters in those sports.  Parsons plans to complete the cross country 5K in less than 20 minutes this season, improve her swim times and make it to the state competition in track again this year.

Coaches describe Parsons as a dedicated and hard-working.  Her teammates say she is friendly and gracious toward new runners, rarely misses a workout and never complains.  Parsons' demeanor sets her apart.

"Kayla’s sense of humor is one thing that people tend to overlook,” says John Cobis, NHS head cross country coach. “She knows how to work hard and play hard.”

Academically, Parsons has a challenging schedule. Her classes include Accelerated Math III, AP World History, Principles of Engineering, Honors Physics, AP English Language, Spanish II and Computer Integrated Management.  Parsons holds a 4.188 grade point average and is ranked sixth in a class of 381.

She is enrolled in the engineering program at Northside and plans to attend Georgia Tech to major in architectural engineering, as she loves building structures and creating art.  She also loves math because it is easy for her.  Teachers describe Parsons as attentive, creative, talented, and an extremely hard worker inside and outside of class.

“Kayla enjoys difficult assignments – anything with a challenge,” Tim Martin, AP World History teacher, says. “She leads by example and is dedicated to her studies.  She stands out from all my other students with her exemplary work ethic.”

Parsons recently discovered she has a Vitamin D deficiency, which causes fatigue and muscular aches and weakness.  She overcomes this obstacle with a positive outlook.

"My coaches are definitely role models for me because they help to make me a better leader, athlete and all-around better person," Parsons says.  "My parents are great role models as well.  They support me with everything that I do and they drive and push me.  They also attend every one of my meets and games, and that means more than they could ever know.”

Following her mother’s musical footsteps, Parsons plays the oboe. She has loved music all her life and enjoys being in the band.

Parsons is involved in several extracurricular activities, including Model United Nations, Junior Class Council, Yearbook and National History Day.  Parsons went to LaGrange, Georgia, for National History Day region competition and placed first; she advanced to Macon, Georgia for state and placed second; she then went to Washington, D.C for the National History Day competition.

In addition to her numerous activities, Parsons is an active member of Teen Advisors.  This program helps students through classroom-based counseling sessions, and Parsons says she is thankful to be a part of something that reaches out to her peers who are in need.

“School is stressful," Parsons says. "Teen Advisors aids with stress and helps with meeting new friends who will also take some of the weight off from the stress of school.  Something I love about Teen Advisors is the way we can be of service to all of the students who need help and have questions with a loving heart.”

Parsons is not an average athlete or student.  She takes everything to the next level and stays focused on what is important. The sky is the limit for Parsons, although she may have to share it with one of the buildings she designs as the architect she aspires to be.

In the 2009-2010 school year, Northside High School had its best baseball season in the school’s eight-year history.  The team finished with a 24-9 record and one game away from reaching the state’s AAA Final Four.

There is no question that baseball is a team sport, and anyone familiar with Northside head coach David Smart knows his philosophy is all about "team."  However, Smart is quick to point out that having seven seniors sign college scholarships is definitely icing on the cake.

The Northside signees were Jacob Bailey, Stephen Eldridge, Matthew Hall, Will Heard, Kevin Jordan, Timmy Massengale and Garrett Meyer, who attribute their success to the team’s strong bond and a great coaching staff.  Along with setting the bar high on the field, the seven left an even bigger legacy as the largest signing class in Northside's athletic history.

Jacob Bailey, a signee of East Georgia Junior College, says, "I have always played baseball by the motto that failure is to be expected in the game of baseball, but it is what you pick up when you get knocked down that separates the athletes from the rest.”  Bailey set the record for the most stolen bases and batted over .500 during the playoffs.  He received recognition for Most Improved as well as the Coaches Award.

"I'm most excited for the brand-new baseball field at East Georgia," states East Georgia Junior College signee Stephen Eldridge.  A strong first baseman, Eldridge also led the team in homeruns.   He hit a homerun and two doubles that helped the team in the game against Carrolton at Turner Field.  This year’s team was the first from Northside invited to compete in Atlanta, and the boys were honored to accept the invitation.

"I feel like all the hard work and dedication to baseball has finally paid off,” claims Matthew Hall.  “I decided to sign with LaGrange College because they have a wonderful campus that is perfect for me and my baseball."  Hall received the Offensive Player of the Year award his junior and senior years.  He also made the All Bi-City team his junior and senior year along with the All-Region team his junior year.

"I think having so many sign in our class shows how hard we actually worked," admits Will Heard, who is attending Berry College.  Heard won the Patriot Award his senior year and Defensive Player of the Year his junior and senior years.  He will be remembered for hard work, determination and refusing to lose.

Garrett Meyer also signed with Berry College.  "I chose Berry because it is a great school from an athletic and an academic standpoint," says Meyer, who won the Academic Athlete award as a senior and worked extremely hard in the offseason to earn his starting spot on the team.

"I signed with Wake Forest University because of academics and they also offered me something different," says Kevin Jordan, who was also drafted by the New York Yankees.  Jordan was chosen as an Under Armor All-American and received Area Code Baseball and East Coast Pro Showcase invitations.  He says being in Northside’s class of 2010 was an honor, and he knew the team would be a success from the beginning.

"I wanted to stay close to Mom and Dad and get a great education at the same time," says Chattahoochee Valley Community College signee Timmy Massengale.  Teamwork, camaraderie and a brotherly bond are the factors Massengale cites for his accomplishments as well as the team’s.

Head coach David Smart adds, "I'm so proud of our team and in particular, the seven seniors that signed scholarships. They are all great players but even better young men.”