Citizens petition and speak against non-renewal of contract for Poff

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ELLIJAY, Ga. – March has seen increases in activity and a crowd in attendance to the Gilmer County Board of Education’s March regular meeting on March 17, 2022, to speak to the board about not renewing the annual contract for Justin Poff, a certified athletic trainer at Gilmer High School.

According to posts and even a 548 signature petition circulating around, citizens are pushing back against the decision and calling it a “detrimental loss.”

As per their policy, the board did not respond to public speakers, but they listened to both Heather Rayborn and Amber Goodwin who spoke during their meeting. Both speakers supported a change in decision and encouraged renewal of the contract with Poff due to his efforts and an “above and beyond” work ethic that they reported to the board.

Rayborn stated her son has worked closely with Poff to overcome shin-splints and a concussion at one point. She said, “These are things that you may not be aware of, but our children need him [Poff]. They depend on him. They trust him and they trust that if they get hurt on that field, that he will be the person who cares for them and that he will do it wholeheartedly and correctly.”

Goodwin also reported injuries for her daughter who was cared for by Poff. She urged the importance of having an athletic trainer for the schools having gone through these situations with her children. She stated, “At sporting events, I have seen him take care of other athletes as well, offering a hand to take care of athletes on opposing teams… As a parent, there are not many people that I trust with the safety of my children who are athletes. But, I fully trust Justin Poff with them. Not only does he take care of them, but it is evident that he cares for each one of them.”

In addition to those who spoke, there are others who were present at the meeting and those who have supported the petition to the board. The petition on Change.org, posted by Vanessa Hataway, states,

“Gilmer high school is not wanting to renew Justin Poff’s contract next year. He is our Certified Athletic Trainer for Gilmer High School. I have never met anyone in my children’s athletic career who cares about their minds/bodies/injuries the way Poff does. Our children only get one body, and Poff cares about them and their injuries more than throwing them back in a game when they shouldn’t be. Our student athletes NEED and WANT him. Our Parents NEED and WANT him. If we lose Poff this will be an absolutely detrimental loss to our children and our community. I know my child is in the absolute best hands with Justin Poff, and we will fight to keep him! Let’s let our school system know that this loss is not okay, and that we will be heard!”

While much of personnel hiring like this contract come through administrators as recommendations to the Board of Education, they are presented in the meeting as a recommendation by the Superintendent. Gilmer Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley said that in addition to listening to those who spoke in the meeting he has also sat down privately with many citizens who have asked about the position.

contractDr. Ridley declined to comment on any specifics about Poff, but did tell FYN that the school system is looking to continue the services of a Certified Athletic Trainer at Gilmer High. He said that they are looking at several possibilities for the future and are considering different options. Ridley stated, “There is no plans to scrap the program itself. We are planning to still provide those services in one form or another.”

He also noted that the school system does a lot of its hiring and personnel during the spring season as it handles staff retiring at the end of the school year, some who may change schools or move away, and those who may transfer positions in the school system. Filling all of the roles is a priority for the season.

As such, Ridley did state that there is many considerations that go into a position each year. When asked about the school’s CTAE pathways, Ridley confirmed that one consideration the school might look at is a return to a sports medicine pathway. In 2018, Gilmer looked to advance certain healthcare pathways in the school through a remodel of the health science classroom.

County approves Clear Creek baseball fields repair under FEMA Project

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EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Due to the increasing storms of late, weather damage has been a consistent issue for residents of Gilmer County as well as those in public service and electricity attempting to keep roads clear and power lines up. However, another of the county’s departments felt the damage out Clear Creek Road at the ball fields.

The Gilmer Recreation & Parks Department brought an agenda item to the Board of Commissioners this week during a Special Called Meeting. That agenda item hopes to deal with storm damage and washout to the Clear Creek Ball Fields. According to department director Kevan White, the infield mix has seen the biggest issue as the massive amount of rain has washed away the majority of it.

White also said that repairs would need to include laser grading and other work in addition to just refilling the mix.

However, White also noted that most of the issue stopped with the infields, and no extra work beyond normal maintenance will be needed for the grassy areas and outfield.

Additionally, the county has been offered the repairs to be covered for some reimbursement under FEMA Projects. The county will perform the repairs and cover the costs, but it is eligible for reimbursement of costs under FEMA. According to Public Works Director Jim Smith, the reimbursement will total 85 percent of the total costs of repair, the county will shoulder the extra 15 percent.

With the official motion coming in the meeting, a unanimous vote approved the expenses for repairing the fields and going under the FEMA Project for reimbursement. Rec League football is already underway, but like many places, maintenance and repairs, from the continued rain and passing hurricanes off the coasts, are continuing as they look ahead and prepare for the upcoming sports.

Gilmer cancels make-up graduation along with other July activities

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ELLIJAY, Ga. – In addition to this weeks announcement of cancelling the prom, Gilmer High School has also announced that they will be cancelling the graduation ceremony scheduled for July 17.

According to a statement from Gilmer High School, “Gilmer County Schools and Gilmer High School have been in contact with the Gilmer County Department of Health and Gilmer County Emergency Management for the past several days to make decisions regarding events scheduled to take place at the high school. Even though all of our events were planned in a manner to keep students and staff safe, we have been advised against holding large group gatherings (those with more than 50 people in attendance) at this time, even if being held outside. We initially planned to have students on the field, seated six-feet apart, and allow only two guests per student to accommodate social distancing requirements in the stands. Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in our community, we have been advised by officials to cancel the graduation event scheduled for Friday, July 17th.”

graduation

As with previous graduations, this year’s event was scheduled to be held outside on the football field.

However, Graduation is not the only event being cancelled or having restrictions as sports and other activities to be held in July as students are trying to slowly start returning to school.

The statement said, “With regard to sports on the high school campus, we are following strict guidelines from GHSA with regard to social distancing, hand sanitizing and the sanitizing of equipment. Athletes are screened each day, which includes temperature checks, and their responses are recorded to help with contact tracing. Over the past few days, we have had 13 student athletes, some of whom were in attendance at a community event last week (where several people have tested positive for COVID-19) and others who were identified during the screening process, who are being quarantined and cannot participate in practice for the next 14 days. Two sports, wrestling and cheerleading, have cancelled practice until further notice. We continue to monitor the remaining sports still practicing and are prepared to cancel their practices for 14 days should that be necessary.”

Gilmer High’s Marching band has postponed their “Band Camp” from Monday, July 13, to Monday, July 20. Next week they will work with small groups of students for easier monitoring, and then full Band Camp will begin on July 20th.

The High School said, “It is much easier to monitor small groups of students on a daily basis, than it would have been for us to comply with the necessary guidelines to ensure the safety of more than 400 students at prom, and an additional 600 at graduation.”

They went on to add, “This is not what any of us wanted for our students. We all believe in giving our students the greatest high school experiences possible, but will never risk the health and safety of anyone. We greatly appreciate everyone’s understanding and look forward to being able to have everyone back together soon.”

Sports talk Thursday with Lauren Hunter-Politics in sports?

Sports

The U.S. Women’s National Team has been making headlines recently for victories as a team, and as individuals for political statements.

Last week, the team won their second back-to-back World Cup. Shortly after the game, player Allie Long was seen dropping an American flag during the post-game celebration. Her teammate Kelley O’Hara recognized the significance of a flag being dropped on the ground, and immediately scooped it up.

One report from The Daily Wire explained that Long dropped the flag to participate in a celebratory dance with teammate Megan Rapinoe. But the video quickly went viral and comments poured in criticizing Long for her carelessness and thanking O’Hara for stepping in.

It’s very possible that Long meant no disrespect, but just got caught up in the moment and didn’t know that an American flag is NEVER supposed to touch the ground. Nonetheless, millions of viewers were not happy.

If you watch the video, it doesn’t appear that Long is trying to make any sort of political statement by dropping the flag. However teammate Megan Rapinoe has CERTAINLY been making headlines recently for her statements.

Megan Rapinoe (far right) is a great soccer player, but her political statements anger some. Credit: The New York Times

Although Rapinoe is mainly known for being a phenomenal soccer player (she won both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards this year), her progressive ideals have, let’s just say…raised eyebrows. Rapinoe is very outspoken about her homosexuality and dislike of President Donald Trump.  She has followed the example of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick by refusing to sing or put her hand over her heart during the National Anthem. The pose she makes after scoring a goal of standing with her arms outstretched is supposed to be a symbol of fighting for equal pay, race relations and issues at the United States/Mexican border.

For years athletes have used the attention given them for their athletic success as a means to shed light on their social platforms. There’s nothing wrong with that if they’re promoting awareness for a disease or a foundation that supports children with special needs. But should we as a society draw a line when it comes to political issues?

Some would say there’s no problem- depending on what they do to make the statement. Certainly being a famous athlete gives one more media attention than the average person. Like I mentioned in my last column post, there’s no difference in an athlete and an actor or actress, and they supply their endorsement all the time!

When Colin Kaepernick first kneeled during the National Anthem in 2016, many Americans were outraged. Not necessarily because of his protest of police brutality, but because he chose to do so in a way that many Americans found disrespectful to those who have served in the military. I was, and still am, one of those people. In my opinion Kaepernick and now Rapinoe are missing the mark. Kneeling or not showing respect during the National Anthem is to turn a blind eye to those who have sacrificed everything to give you the freedom to play your sport. It doesn’t have anything to do with first responders.

Nowadays there’s a gray area between sports segments and political talk shows. The two intersect on a daily basis. Just the other day on our live sports show, Instant Replay, my co-host Dave Garner and I had an entire segment dedicated to Nike’s decision to pull the sneakers with a design of the American flag sewn by Betsy Ross on the back. This decision was made after Kaepernick insisted that the flag had a racial history.

I thought Colin Kaepernick was out of the spotlight, but he found a way back in.

I suppose the whole reason this gray area exists is because of the technological advancements of the media. Celebrities who want use their status as a means to promote a certain viewpoint can do so more quickly because of how easy it is to post to Twitter. And in a society that demands news at every moment, something has to take up time in a sports show!

So back to the original question- should there be a line, and if so, where?

Here’s my opinion- sports is sports and politics is politics. Part of the reason I watch a football game or a baseball game is because I want to watch a football game or a baseball game. We are living in a time where politics are more divisive than ever before. One reasons sports are as big as they are today is because of the communities they create. Why should we mix something that causes so many problems to interfere with something that is supposed to help solve them?

When I turn on ESPN, I don’t want to listen to people debate over what is considered disrespectful to the National Anthem. And the next time I watch Fox News, I DARN sure don’t want to hear the name Colin Kaepernick.

Sports talk Thursday with Lauren Hunter-For love of the game

Sports

Recently I’ve started watching the show Friday Night Lights again. Let me just say- this is partially important because I’m not a big TV show person. I don’t have the patience to sit through an hour-long episode nor do I usually have the time to keep up with a series. But I figure with pre-season football kicking in and the fall season quickly approaching, revisiting a show that revolves around high school football is one of the best ways to get me hyped up for what’s to come.

Watching this series has also made me think about a couple of things. For one, why do we as a society rally so much around a sport that’s played by boys no older than 18-years-old? Second, do we put too much pressure on athletes who play the game? And finally, is the hype and the pressure truly worth it?

I think the answer can be summed up pretty easily- yes. And why? For love of the game.

But the love of the game is different for each of us. We’re not all going to attend every single football game or spend thousands of dollars to sit in Sanford every Saturday. We all have our limits, and in my opinion that’s perfectly okay.

Why else would my friend Erin and I bundle up in the freezing cold for playoffs? Because we love football!

I like to say that there’s something about having a team that you love that will get inside of you and never leave. I find it fascinating that there are towns across America like Dillon, Texas that will show up in the thousands to support their Panthers. Coaches and players are local celebrities, and you get your butt in the stands every Friday night just as religiously as a pew on Sunday morning. I came from a high school of nearly 4,000 students and a county of almost one million people, but the same spirit that rallies much smaller towns across the country still pulses through mine.

Yes, oftentimes I’m afraid that means we put too much pressure on the athletes who play the game. In my own personal experience, at the high school level we had so many students that it was nearly impossible to know the daily goings-on at the field house. But it was that age-old cycle of that when we would win, the coaches and players would be praised. One loss and the attitude switched faster than the direction of a twister.

But one of the many great things about this country is we have the freedom of choice in many of our decisions. Even though the athletes and coaches who play these games catch a lot of grief, they still have the choice to walk away. Some do. But for those who don’t? I’d venture to say it’s for love of the game.

When it comes to putting pressure on athletes, especially young ones, I believe the relationship is a two-way street. They should know what they’re doing, but despite all the love we have for the game, we need to understand when enough is enough. I’ve heard the term “daddy ball” thrown around a lot before, and it makes me sad to think that there are parents out there who try to live through their children. It’s important to love and support them, but even more important to let them develop their own love for their game.

Finally, like I mentioned earlier, everyone’s love for the game is different. My Papa Skip, who I probably talk to the most about sports, has a different appreciation for them than I do. I’ll use UGA football as an example. He attended classes at UGA- I never have. He still goes every year to the UGA/Florida game in Jacksonville- I’ve only gone once. He pays each year to have season tickets for the home games- I CERTAINLY don’t do that, although when he doesn’t want them I get first dibs (thanks Papa!)

The point I’m trying to make is while we all may say we love sports, we each love them differently. We each have a certain line we’re willing to cross. But at the same time, come Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday or playoffs, we rally behind our team. And we each get our butts in the stands. Why? For love of the game.

BOE approves new supplement and schedule

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https://youtu.be/M2fLgeb27dM

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Coming one month after the school system updated its coaches supplemental salaries policy, the Board of Education is adding an assistant cheerleading coach position for Clear Creek Middle School (CCMS).

Adding the supplement of $750, Gilmer Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs said the need comes from the head coach also coaching soccer and needing a second to help fill in when necessary as she balances the two positions.

This was one point of discussion in March between certified assistant coaches versus lay coaches. A fully certified assistant does not need to be supervised. It was part of District Athletic Director Rodney Walker’s comments for the policy changes saying that the change limited lay coaches in favor of certified personnel.

Additionally, the board later approved the Fiscal Year 2020 Academic and Activity Supplements Schedule for the coming school year. Athletic Supplements were previously approved in March.

The Board also approved this month’s Personnel with six resignations and two retirements. The school system has already completed approvals of administrative renewals and certified staff earlier this year to aid in hiring new staff that are also found in the personnel report.

Sports talk Thursday with Lauren Hunter-This one’s for the girls

Featured Stories, Sports

As many of you reading this probably already know, it’s not uncommon to see a female reporter on your TV screen for sports outlets like ESPN or Fox Sports. Women are branching out into the sports world unlike ever before, with just as much if not more knowledge than their male co-workers.

Unfortunately, despite the strides already made, I believe sexism still exists in the sports world. I think some men find it hard to believe that women are getting into sports because it isn’t “feminine” or a hobby that they should naturally enjoy. These men don’t realize that a woman’s enjoyment of sports often begins with spending time with a loved one. I always like to mention my Papa Skip, and the football knowledge I gained from being around him and spending Saturdays in Athens.

But whatever reason people have for why a woman shouldn’t work in sports, this post is dedicated to those women who haven’t been listening.

Erin Andrews is one of my all-time favorite sports reporters because she knows her stuff!

I’ve always been a fan of Erin Andrews, mainly because the girl knows her stuff. Although she’s primarily spotted on the sidelines of NFL games, Andrews has covered everything from College GameDay on ESPN to the World Series. Outside of sports she’s had the opportunity to contribute news to Good Morning America and currently co-hosts on Dancing with the Stars. Side note: she also spent some time in nearby Atlanta covering the Braves, Thrashers and Hawks for Turner South. Whenever people think of successful women in the sports arena, Andrews is usually one of the first ones that comes to mind.

Unfortunately her fame from her work as a sportscaster has not made her immune to those who want to tear her down. In 2008 a man filmed her completely nude through a hotel door peep hole and posted the video online. The video went viral, and Andrews sued the man along with the hotel company and several others. Although Andrews eventually won her case, the time period from when the video was filmed until the suit ended lasted eight years. I can only imagine the embarrassment and anxiety that she endured during that time. I admire her strength and perseverance.

As a die-hard Braves fan, another reporter I’ve watched a lot of and enjoy seeing is Kelsey Wingert. I love Wingert’s delivery on camera because it comes across as so natural. While she does typically have a notebook on hand, she does not use a teleprompter to read a script. In other words, she also knows her stuff.

Kelsey Wingert is another admirable reporter because of her on-air delivery and relationship with fans.

I follow Wingert on social media, and another thing I like about her is her constant interaction with fans. There have been numerous times I’ve scrolled through my Twitter feed and seen her respond to a fan asking for a chance to meet her during a game. It’s always met with a yes, as soon as the Braves are finished batting.

I could talk all day about female athletes who have also made waves in sports. On Tuesday, the United States women’s national soccer team defeated Thailand 13-0 in the first game of the world cup. Of course we all know the controversy in recent years about the players receiving less pay than their male counterparts.

A fellow reporter told me a story the other day about a young female athlete he once covered who wanted to play baseball in Louisiana. The locals were not having it, and despite all of her hard work throughout the season, she missed out on being able to play one of the biggest games of that year. However, as is the theme for this entire post, she didn’t let that stop her from continuing to work hard. I haven’t mentioned yet that she was also a phenomenal basketball player, and she is Kim Mulkey, head coach of the Baylor women’s basketball team.

The point I’m trying to make here is that there’s no point in trying to hold women back from sports, when we’ve proved time and time again that we know what we’re doing and we can do it really well. I’m sure if you asked each of these women I’ve mentioned if they agree, they would.

I’m thankful for the people along the way, most of them men, that have helped me to see I can do whatever I set my mind to. I’m afraid that sometimes as a society we still judge people based on how they look before we look to see what they can do. Fortunately for me, I have these women who I have already mentioned, and many more who have blazed the trail for me. I believe it’s partially my job to make sure that path continues to stay lit for those after me.

Spring Signing Day sees four commitments from Gilmer athletes

Bobcat's Corner, Community

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer High School celebrated today, April 29, with family and friends of four athletes who ceremonially signed commitments to colleges and universities, advancing their sports careers to the next level.

The special day saw not only those friends and family members, but coaches, school administrators, and even Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs present to honor the work and achievements of these four at the “Spring Signing Day” event.

Tyson Elliott signs to the University of the Cumberlands for football.

Tyson Elliott signs to the University of the Cumberlands for football.

Tyson Elliott signed his commitment to the University of the Cumberlands, located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he plans on playing football. Elliott is currently looking to play Right Tackle. He says his next goal is to join the travel squad his freshman year and hopes to continue working hard towards that goal. He will be studying to major in Mathematics Education and possibly minoring in Coaching as he hopes to one day become a coach at either the middle school or high school levels.

As he transitions into collegiate sports, Elliott said he is excited about the coming challenges. Having put in the effort to get to this point, he said that he feels like it’s all paid off to have a college offer him a spot and to take that step to the next level. He went on to add, “Pretty much it’s everything I’ve been looking forward to. It’s kind of hard to explain, honestly.”

Grace Pleasant signs to Berry College for swimming.

Grace Pleasant signs to Berry College for swimming.

Grace Pleasant signed her commitment to Berry College, located in Rome, Georgia, where she plans on competing on the swim team. She swims the 100-meter breaststroke and some freestyle. Attending Berry College, Pleasant said that she plans on completing the dual-degree program. Then she plans on transferring to the Georgia Tech. She wants to major in Environmental Engineering.

As she transitions into collegiate sports, Pleasant said it has been a major impact on her life as she never thought she would be able to keep swimming into college. She started swimming at 10-years-old and also swam for a club team in Dalton. Noting the passion she has had for swimming all her life, Pleasant was excited to have Berry College give her the chance to continue that saying, “I’m really honored that they would want me.”

David Smith signs to the University of the Cumberlands for football.

David Smith signs to the University of the Cumberlands for football.

David Smith signed his commitment to University of the Cumberlands, located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he plans on playing football. Smith is currently looking to play at the Quarterback and Receiver positions. He said he is excited for the challenge of the next level of his sports career as he faces harder challenges and what he calls the “learning experience” as he sees the differences between high school and collegiate football. He plans on majoring in Education in order to come back to the high school level to coach football.

As he transitions into collegiate sports, Smith is looking forward to both aspects of college as he says he will get to play the sport he has been a part of his entire life while also having that pay for part of his tuition. He went on to say, “It’s gonna be a big step, like the workouts are going to be harder. It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be exciting to be on a bigger team.”

Austin Daman signs to Reinhardt University for baseball.

Austin Daman signs to Reinhardt University for baseball.

Austin Daman signed his commitment to Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, where he plans on playing baseball. He plans on pitching for the team. Coming off of a tear of his UCL tendon in his arm, Daman has already conquered one challenge as he recovered faster than expected and is already pitching again in preparation for his collegiate years. He plans on majoring in Business and minoring in Sports Management. Though he didn’t comment on any future plans after college, he did not he wants to see where life takes him.

As he transitions into collegiate sports, Daman said it means a lot to even be able to play college baseball after his injury, even more that his hard work has paid off to continue pitching and to be in the position he is now. He said, “All glory to God for him to be able to get me to where I am. I couldn’t have done it without him.” Daman also gave credit to his Dad for his pushing and support and instilled his drive and belief to put forth the effort that was necessary to achieve this goal.

Sports talk Thursday with Lauren Hunter

Featured Stories, Sports

About five years ago I told my dad, who is one of my biggest fans but also one of the most blunt people you’ll ever meet, that I wanted to be the first female head coach in the NFL.

“You can’t do that, Lauren,” he said.

“Why?” I argued.

I was expecting some drawn-out response about how I didn’t know enough about football.

“Because you can’t go in the men’s locker room,” he said flatly.

Ah, I hadn’t thought of that.

That was my senior year of high school, and never did I think I would be where I am now.

I grew up an UGA fan; my grandad attended college there in the ’60s and the red and black passed down into my veins. I learned to spell Georgia by chanting the fight song in my head (I still do subconsciously whenever I have to write it out!) I had an UGA cheerleader outfit and one of my baby pictures has me holding a stuffed bulldog. One of my nana’s fondest memories is of dancing around the living room with me as an infant when Georgia scored a big touchdown against Georgia Tech. I’ve never considered myself athletic, but I believe I owe a lot of my passion for sports to Papa Skip and Nana.

Papa Skip, Nana, my momma and I at the Georgia v. Florida game in 2017

Flash forward a few years and the first time I stepped foot on a sideline was as a cheerleader for the 8th grade Mill Creek rec football league. Cheerleading was not for me, and within a year I traded in pom poms for a six-foot flag pole as a member of the Mill Creek High School Colorguard.

In high school I lived for Friday night lights, and I have many fond memories of screaming myself hoarse for the Hawks while in the stands with the marching band. It was a well-known fact that I was the most spirited person in the band when it came to football, and while my coach would be yelling at me to pay attention during our warm-ups I’d be busy trying to figure out how much yardage we’d gotten from the last pass.

I guess my fellow classmates took note of my love for the game as well, because they voted me their Homecoming Queen my senior year. That is still one of my all-time favorite memories from high school- hearing my name called while standing on the 50 surrounded by family and friends.

My senior year of high school I was elected Homecoming Queen. This was the moment after my name was called. Look at my dad’s face!

I graduated from Mill Creek in 2015 but I had a hard time staying away from Markham Field. The University of North Georgia doesn’t have a football team, and Mill Creek decided to get really good the year after I left (this was the fall of 2015, the year they got knocked out by Colquitt County one round before the state championship.)

In the spring of 2016 I heard of an opportunity to work for the Gwinnett Braves, Triple-A minor league affiliate for the Atlanta Braves. Needing a summer job but hoping to avoid retail, I took it. I spent the next two summers as a Guest Relations Representative scanning tickets and welcoming fans. In addition to my already-sound knowledge of football, I learned all I could about America’s favorite pastime and a new love was born.

I spent one more summer at Coolray Field before graduating college, and this time it was as a member of the Promotional Team. That may be the most fun I ever had at work. Our team set up the on-field promotional games, signed up contestants, sold 50/50 raffle tickets and overall worked to make sure people had a good time. I certainly did- the memories I made with my team that year will forever be some of my favorites.

For a while I told people that I wasn’t interested in sports journalism, but the Lord as he fortunately often does had other plans. I got the opportunity to intern with the UNG Athletic Department my senior year of college, and I left Gwinnett County to plant some roots in the North Georgia mountains.

I worked for the Gwinnett Braves (now Gwinnett Stripers) for three seasons. Here I’m in my third season as a member of the Promo Team.

Two months ago I still wasn’t certain that I’d ever work in sports again, but when baseball started back up I knew I couldn’t live without it. I was fortunate enough to find an opportunity to apply with FetchYourNews.com, and even more fortunate to get an offer. And here we are.

I don’t tell you all this to brag on my accomplishments or give you some long-winded biography. I want to be just as much a part of your community as you all are now a part of my daily life. When I come to your sideline I want to know each of you and each of you know me. Part of being a great sports reporter is establishing a relationship with your team and community. Part of that relationship includes establishing trust, and how can you can trust someone if you don’t even know them?

One of the biggest reasons I keep working in sports is because of the the communities they create and the people I get to meet. There’s something about having a team to rally around that gets inside of you and never leaves. The people I have met so far and the connections I have made are priceless and will forever be a part of who I am and a big reason for why I do what I do.

So here’s to the journey ahead, and here’s to memories that are yet to be made and the relationships yet to be formed. I can’t wait North Georgia!

Lauren Hunter

Gilmer could see new coach next week

Bobcat's Corner, News
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ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County has been searching for a new coach since the official announcement of the resignation of Casey Wingard.

It seems that Gilmer’s Christmas present could be a new coach. Gilmer County Charter Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs announced that she expected a meeting to be called for next week in which information on the new head coach would be released. She stated, “Once the final selection is made and references are checked, then I will ask the Board to hold a called meeting next week so that we can name that coach before we go home for Christmas break.”

With 55 people showing interest and 44 of them completing applications process. Eventually, the Board narrowed this to seven people selected to be interviewed.

That meeting has now been announced. On Monday, December 17, 2018, the Board of Education will be holding a Special Called Meeting. There are actually two items on the agenda, one simply states personnel, if approved this personnel item could hold the name of Gilmer’s newest football coach.

The other agenda item relates to recent events regarding the resignation of Board Member Nick Weaver. Appointment for vacant board seat” is the item on the agenda. Yet, no indication has been made yet if this is to actually announce the newest member or simply to begin open board-discussions.

One meeting could, hopefully, fill two large gaps in Gilmer County’s School System by Christmas.

Gilmer inducts new members to Hall of Fame

Bobcat's Corner, News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – December saw six new members inducted into Gilmer County’s Hall of Fame between Friday’s, December 7,  Girls and Boys Basketball games.

Celebrating the accomplishments of these people both during and after high school, the ceremony honored these individuals and their families. Coming from several different walks of life and spreading to even more after high school, Gilmer welcomed these stars home to the Gilmer’s Court for the special day.

 

Donna Cowart Mousa was in the Class of 1978. She played Basketball, Track, and Tennis. Named as the GHS Basketball MVP for 3 years, she was also voted as Most Athletic Female during her Senior Year. She was later awarded a scholarship to Clemson University where she lettered in Basketball and Field Hockey. She joined All ACC Field Hockey for three years and was named as an All American Honorable Mention for Field Hockey.

 

 

 

 

Pam Gibson was in the Class of 1987. She played Basketball, Tennis, and Softball. Named to All State Basketball in 1987, she also became GHS Lady Cats Player of the Year in both 1985 and 1987. She was also awarded Top GHS Female Athlete of the Year in 1985. She was Basketball Team Captain in 1986 and Co-Captain in 1987. Gibson achieved Top 8 in AA State Singles Tennis Tournament in 1985. She was later awarded a scholarship to Troy State University where she became a Freshman Starter averaging 15 points-per-game.

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Brumby was in the Class of 1988. He played Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Golf. Named All State Honorable Mention for Football in 1987, he was also named All State Honorable Mention for Basketball in 1988. Receiving several GHS Awards in both football and basketball, he became the GHS Basketball Player of the Year in both 1987 and 1988. He is currently a Whitepath Golf Club Pro in Gilmer County.

 

 

 

 

 

Candy Pankey Ledford was in the Class of 1993. She played Basketball, Softball, Tennis, Track, and Cross Country. Named Second Team All State Basketball in both 1992 and 1993, she also was awarded the GHS Female Athlete of the Year Awards in both 1990 and 1991. She also received the GHS Most Athletic Female Award in 1993. She was later awarded a scholarship to Reinhardt College from 1993 to 1995 and was then awarded a scholarship to Augusta State College from 1996 to 1998.

 

 

 

 

 

Neil Gary was in the Class of 1997. He played Football and Wrestling. Named State Wrestling Champion in both 1996 and 1997, he also achieved a total Career Wrestling Record of 63-22 with 41 career pins. He also was named GHS MVP in Wrestling in 1995, 1996, and 1997. He later served eight years in the United States Marines and was Decorated for Valor in Iraq.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert “Bob” Becker is being inducted into the 2018 Support Category for achievements at GHS High School where he taught from 1977 to 2014. He was Public Address Announcer for Band, Football, Basketball, and Baseball. He holds degrees from Jacksonville State, Georgia State, and Lincoln Memorial. To this day, he says he is first to be known as a man of God.

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Bruins Take Varsity Sweep Over Gilmer

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Tuesday night has come and gone for the ladies and gentlemen of Gilmer basketball as the Northwest Whitfield teams came to the Cage for a region battle.

Taking the court first for Gilmer was the Lady Cats led by Coach Susan Nunn. With a 10-2 overall record thus far in the 2018-2019 season, the Lady Cats have played very well together as a team.  Tonight they continued to do so in spite of falling to the Lady Bruins 56-44.  Northwest brought a little more than the Lady Cats could handle in Jada Griffin. Leading all scoring in the game, Griffin was unstoppable with 21 points with two of her Lady Bruin teammates scoring in double digits as well.  For Gilmer, MaryLee Callihan led the team with 15 in the losing effort.  These Lady Cats never quit fighting and drew within 6 points early in the fourth period before the Lady Bruins stretched the lead to the final deficit for Gilmer at 12 points in the end.

 

In the final game of the night, the varsity boys for Northwest and Gilmer took the floor.  This game followed the path of the ladies competition just before.  The Bobcats could not get the ball to find the net all night.  Carter Hice, David Smith, and Tripp Pierce gave all they had with great looks from both inside the paint and also from the perimeter but nothing would fall the Bobcats way. Credit needs to be given to the Bruins defense as they outrebounded the Cats leaving very few opportunities for a second chance at putting points on the board. In the 80-54 loss to the Bruins, Kell Weaver led Gilmer in points with 14 on the night followed by Braden Jenkins who came off the bench to score 13 points. Leading all scorers in the game was Chris Cunningham of the Bruins with 28 including a perfect night from 3 point range with 4.

The defeats for both the Cats and Lady Cats bring their overall records on the season to 10-3 as they head into the holiday break.  Gilmer is scheduled to play in a Christmas tournament on the 27th with Heritage as their scheduled opponent. Gilmer basketball will fire up again as 2019 presents itself and the Cats and Lady Cats will continue to bring the heat on the basketball court.

Bobcats Dedicate Will Gudger Locker Room

GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports

On the night of November 1st, 2018 the Bobcat Wrestling Nation came together for a time of honor, memories, and the desire for current and future athletes to never forget. These athletes can now see the history of Bobcat wrestling and with every match honor and continue the legacy of those from the past.

Spearheading the efforts, Mark Waddell took a comment from his son Matthew and ran with it.  Waddell with help from several others received the go-ahead from school officials to start the project.  These parents and fans of Gilmer Wrestling dedicated their time and skills to take the upstairs room and through hard work made it into a useful locker room and a shrine of sorts to those that have made the program what it is today.

Each and every time the athletes walk in the door they will be reminded of the history, hard work and dedication that is Bobcat Wrestling.  News clippings and photos fill every wall from youth involvement to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Country.   On that day there were smiles as former greats and their families walked through and memories of those that are no longer with us.  The namesake for the locker room is Will Gudger.  Will tragically lost his life in a car accident in November 2016.  Gudger was a 2015 graduate of Gilmer High School and a member of the Bobcat Wrestling program.  Noah Harris is also honored as part of the history that fills the new locker room.  Harris graduated from Gilmer with State Champion credentials and Captain of the football team in his pocket.  Though Harris was confident he was never cocky.  This gentle-hearted soul had family and friends collect beanie babies to give to the Iraqi children as he served in the United States Army.  The ultimate sacrifice was given by Harris on June 18, 2005, after an attack by enemy forces.

Coach Josh Ghobadpoor and his staff are not only preparing the athletes for a match on the mats but they also continue the tradition of former coach Sam Snider in preparing these young men for life after high school.  With 17 state titles, the wrestling program speaks for itself and continued hard work will produce even more.  Best of luck to the current and future Bobcats as they take to the mats.  For the former Bobcats, thank you for your dedication to making Gilmer Wrestling what it is today.

Finance decisions dominate BOE’s July Meeting

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ELLIJAY, GA. – Casting the final vote for the coming ESPLOST, alongside votes on bids and lunch prices, set the theme for the Board of Education’s last regular meeting before school starts back.

As previously reported in last week’s BOE to call for an ESPLOST Election, the survey results were provided to board member along with the choices for the final item on the list of projects. While Gilmer County Charter Schools Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs reiterated that the priorities of the new ESPLOST will remain with the continuing technology, security, safety, and bus purchases, this sets two major projects into Gilmer County’s Educational future.

Those projects take up two of the five items as set on the official ballot question which reads as:

(a) upgrading the technology used to support teaching and learning at all facilities, including the purchase and
installation of computers, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, servers, wiring, wireless antennas, and other technology upgrades with necessary hardware, software, and programs; (b) the acquisition, construction, equipping, and installation of safety and security equipment to improve security in all facilities located within the School District (c) the purchase of new school buses; (d) the acquisition, construction, and equipping of a new elementaryschool to replace the current Ellijay Primary School; and (e) the acquisition, construction, and equipping of a new performing/fine arts center, all in accordance with the facilities plans of the School District…

The official resolution was approved in a 4-1 vote with board member Nick Weaver as the dissenting vote. With earlier disagreements on which final project was to be implemented and the polled decision leaning towards the Performing Arts Center, this vote count was not entirely unexpected as the board’s poll on the project inclusion was a mirror outcome.

Moving forward with the ESPLOST at this point will see the Board of Education formally submitting their Notice of Sales and Use Tax For Educational Purposes Election to Gilmer County Probate Judge Scott Chastain, as Election Superintendent, to have the referendum voted on by the public in the November 2018 elections. Citizens will take this opportunity to voice their opinions on the ESPLOST and decide on the continuing the already in place ESPLOST for another cycle with its new projects.

Financially, the board is estimating $28 million in collections but is aiming high so as not to have an interruption in collections during the cycle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance discussions continued through the meeting during the board’s nutrition and financial reports. The board voted unanimously to support a recommendation by Director of Nutrition Services Linda Waters to increase staff lunch prices from $3.50 to $3.75 and visitor lunches from $4.00 to $4.25. The quarter increases on each of these follow federal regulations which Waters’ recent changes to menus. She stated in the work session, “By Federal Regulations, we have to charge what it costs us to produce a meal.”

Additionally, the July meeting saw the board vote to approve fuel bids for the year. They awarded Petroleum Traders Corp the bid for diesel and gasoline at $0.0315 over costs of diesel and $0.0196 over costs of gasoline. They also awarded Thomas Oil for Propane at $0.95 per gallon.

BOE asks for citizen input on 2020 ESPLOST

Bobcat's Corner, News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer County Board of Education is almost halfway through its current ESPLOST plan completing projects like the renovations on Huff Mosley Stadium, building a new Agriculture Education center, and the current renovations to Gilmer High School.

However, anticipating the process needed to prepare for continuing the ESPLOST after this one ends in 2020, the board is already moving into discussions for that next cycle. As a part of that process for ESPLOST, the board must have planned projects they intend to use the money for.

In that discussion, Gilmer County Charter Schools System Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs has turned to the citizens by placing a survey on their website. The board already has certain plans for projects to continue to upgrade technology, improve safety measures, purchase buses, and build an elementary school to replace Ellijay Primary.

However, the survey itself is intended to add more to the list with citizen input on three additional suggestions for the ESPLOST cycle. The choices include a Performing/Fine Arts Center (on GHS Campus), a Multi-use Sports Facility (Gym, Weight Rooms, wrestling center, batting cages, track), or an Indoor Swimming Pool. There is also an option for citizens to forego these otpions and write in their own suggestion in an “other” box.

Citizens can either follow the Survey link or log on to the Gilmer Schools website and click the survey link at the top of the page to offer their opinion as well as speaking at the next meeting of the Board of Education.

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