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

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contract

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.

Group project brings spirit store to Gilmer High

Bobcat's Corner, Featured
spirit store
spirit store

Photo by Susan Kirkland
Natlie West, a senior, designed the shirt she is wearing and it became a best seller in the students efforts to open the store.

When students think of group projects, a spirit store isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Usually, it’s a mix of deciding who does which part of the PowerPoint slides, who handles research, who presents the information and a fear that no one else will pull their weight, leaving one or two to handle all the work.

However, for Gilmer High School juniors and seniors, their group project was a joint effort to create the The Bobcat Store.  Sure, there was still the business plan, researching the best way to handle inventory, sales, and marketing, but they pulled together.

“They researched merchandise and vendors and designed it,” said Josh Snider, the business teacher who guided them through the project. The result is a spirit store, located in the library featuring t-shirts, water bottles, spirit beads, socks, pens, pencils, and notebooks and the grand-opening was held today.

In addition to setting up the spirit store, students are responsible for making sales at other schools. To accomplish this, they divided up the schools and started calling and now have satellite sales in some of the other schools. For example, Mountain View Elementary let them set out items in the teacher workroom.

CATS WIN BIG ON HOMECOMING

He also said that the students, who are all third year business students, handle the paperwork, take inventory themselves and running the

spirit store

These hot drink carriers are one of many items offered in the Bobcats Store.

spirit store.

“They are learning it’s more than just opening a store, they are learning how to build the business,” he said. “They are also learning that there are business owners and employees and how neither is wrong, there are positives and negatives to each way.”

Natlie West, a senior, designed the girls crew neck sweatshirt that has become an instant hit.

“It’s been our biggest profit maker,” said Ayden Fountain, one of the students involved.

They have a few goals in mind, including how to give back to the community, said Snider.

The students would also like to get some of the career and technical education classes involved by making items to sell in the store.

However, growth will take time.

The one at GHS will open two days a week starting out, during lunches.

“We’re starting slow,” Snider said.

Students in featured image: Kadie Weaver, junior; Angie Davis, senior; Jaylyn Davis, junior; McKenzie Fink, junior; Edgar Parez, junior; Jaidyn Harris, senior; Blair Gibbs, junior; Carson Purvis, junior; Ayden Fountain, junior; Natlie West, senior; and Josh Snider, business tender.

Cats win big on Homecoming

Sports, Team FYN Sports

Ellijay, GA — Gilmer started strong and fast in their Friday night showdown with the Lumpkin Indians. The crisp, clear October evening set up perfect playing conditions for the full crowd of spectators on the home side for Homecoming. The Bobcats were looking to even their Region 7-AAA record after coming off a tough loss in a rainy mess at Cherokee Bluff the previous week. Boy did they. 

 

The Cats offense wasted little time, scoring in the first minute on a Kobe Stonecipher run of 75 yards. The Gilmer defense got the ball back and before you could blink, Stonecipher had another long touchdown run. By the end of the 1Q Stonecipher was well over 100 yards rushing with three touchdowns. 

 

It wasn’t just Stonecipher in on the action. The Gilmer Bobcats scored early and often in almost every imaginable way. Spenser Smith got in on a QB sneak. Then Smith hit Seth Darling on the first play of a drive 55 yards to the house. Ashton White got his on a run straight up the middle untouched for yet another 50+ yard touchdown play. It’s never looked so easy for an offense like Gilmer’s. 

 

But it wasn’t just the offense. The defense had takeaways left and right. They scored on two interceptions, the last one returned 95 yards by Sophomore Hunter Watkins as time expired on the first half. Adolfo Bautista’s extra point made it 62-0 at the break. It was complete and utter dominance. 

 

The second half running clock caused the second to go by in less than half an hour. Lumpkin added a touchdown in the 3Q, but the game was filled with mostly backups by that point. 

 

“We got after them pretty good, 62 points in the first half,” commented Gilmer Head Coach Kevin Saunders after the game. 

 

The win was a perfect statement to the community about just how far this Bobcats program has come. The home side was packed for Homecoming and they saw firsthand the growth between year 1 and year 2 under Saunders. He added, “we got a lot of kids in the game and did a lot of things well, we got to 3-2 which is something iI didn’t know we’d be at this point.” 

 

The win also sent a message to the rest of Region 7-AAA. After the tough loss to undefeated Cherokee Bluff it was vital to get the region record evened up. On that Saunders said, “it’s important, we had a tough game last week but we got everyone back but one player… I feel pretty good about where we are.” 

 

At this point last year we were excited about winning games and staying competitive. Make no mistake, this is a team that expects to be in the playoffs. 

Gilmer High School cancels prom in face of resurgent Coronavirus

News
Prom

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County is still finding new information from news of exposures in the Courthouse and offices shutting down, but now, Gilmer High School is responding to the general resurgance of the Coronavirus in Georgia as they officially announce cancelling this year’s prom.

Originally cancelled during the school year as responses and shutdowns were widespread in the spring and the schools were closed, opting for “distance learning” alternatives, the prom was rescheduled in April as Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs announced in a meeting that they would be attempting to hold prom in July to make up for the cancellation.

That date was set for this Friday, July 10, 2020.

Today, the high school released a statement on social media stating that they would be cancelling the make-up day as well. They stated, “We have been in constant communication with local authorities regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and after much discussion and deliberation, we have decided to cancel prom this Friday, July 10. This decision was made with a great amount of information pertaining to potential and confirmed cases in Gilmer County. The cases are on a continual rise due to recent events within the county, and our first, and utmost, concern is, and will always be, the safety of our students and staff.”

In response to being forced to cancel the event, the high school is offering refunds through a linked form that parents and students can use for the school.

The school asks for patience moving forward.

They also commented saying a final decision has not been made at this time regarding graduation. However, they did affirm that a decision would be made in the coming days.

Bobcats baseball falls to NW Whitfield 4-2

GHS Baseball, Sports, Team FYN Sports
Gilmer Bobcats

The Gilmer Bobcats baseball team dropped the first Region 6-4A game of the season Thursday, March 5, with a 4-2 loss to Northwest Whitfield in Tunnel Hill.

The Bobcats (2-7, 0-1) only had two hits in the game, but benefitted from miscues by the Bruins (2-6, 1-0).

Gilmer struck first in the game, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

With one out in the inning, Jess Buckner drew a walk on four pitches. Junior Spencer Smith came on as a courtesy runner for Buckner and then advanced to second base on a walk by junior Gabe Wolfson.

Another walk, this one drawn by sophomore Branson Teague, pushed Smith to third base, before senior Tyler Wright was hit by a pitch, allowing Smith to score and the Bobcats to take the early lead.

Gilmer failed to capitalize on bases loaded with two outs though, and left three men stranded to end the inning. In total, the Bobcats left six men on base in the game.

After Northwest Whitfield plated a run in the bottom of the first to tie the game at 1-1, the Bobcats answered in the top of the second to take a 2-1 lead.

After senior Sam Davis was able to reach first and second base on back-to-back errors with no outs, he was able to score on a Buckner fly-ball single to centerfield to give the Bobcats back the lead.

Gilmer was held scoreless the rest of the way as the Bruins plated a run in the bottom of the third, fifth, and sixth to end up with the 4-2 win.

Buckner and sophomore Spencer Merritt were the only Bobcats to get a hit in the game, with Buckner and Wright tallying the only RBIs.

On the mound, Buckner threw all six innings, giving up eight hits, three earned runs, and three walks, while striking out four in the loss.

The two teams will face off again Friday, March 6, as the Bobcats welcome the Bruins to Ellijay for a doubleheader beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Waddell wins title, 11 other Gilmer wrestlers place at state

GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports
Gilmer State Tournament

The Gilmer Bobcats wrestling team had a strong showing at the Georgia High School Association Traditional State Wrestling Tournament held Feb. 13-15 at the Macon Centreplex in Macon.

As a team, the Bobcats had 10 of 11 boys and two of seven girls finish as state placers. As a whole, Gilmer placed second as a team in Class 4A with 151.5 points, just shy of team-champion Woodward Academy’s 177 points.

Caleb Waddell, a senior, won his second-straight state title at 170 pounds. Waddell won his first three matches by pin before winning the title with a 16-2 decision. In the first round, Waddell won at 1 minute, 36 seconds, before winning the second round in 24 seconds and the third round in 1 minute flat.

On the girls side, Francisa Lopez placed second at 162 pounds after earning a spot in the finals with a pin at 3:35 in the semifinals.

Two wrestlers placed third for Gilmer: senior Lucas Lopez at 120 pounds and junior Brock Sumner at 132 pounds.

Lopez earned the right to wrestler for third place by winning his consolation match by a 3-1 decision, while Sumner earned his spot after winning his consolation match by a 4-3 decision.

Two boys and one girl placed fourth for the Bobcats: Karina Montoya-Gonzalez at 152 pounds, sophomore Dylan Galloway at 195 pounds, and sophomore Jacob Cruz at 285 pounds.

The team saw three boys place fifth in the state tournament: senior Gustavo Morales at 106 pounds, freshman Diego Jacinto at 138 pounds, and junior Samuel Tercero at 220 pounds.

Rounding out the state placers for Gilmer were sophomore Miguel Jacinto at 126 pounds and junior Abel Jacinto at 160 pounds. Both wrestlers came in sixth in their respective weight classes.

The state tournament brings to an end a very successful wrestling season for the Gilmer Bobcats.

Union Co. baseball falls to Gilmer in Blairsville

GHS Baseball, Sports
Gilmer Union Co.

The Gilmer baseball team took the lead in the top of the fifth and held on late in a 3-2 win against Union Co. on Wednesday, March 11, in Blairsville.

Union Co. vs. Gilmer

Gilmer junior Gabe Wolfson smacks a double. Wolfson finished the game 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

The Bobcats (3-10, 0-3 Region 6-4A) were led by Gabe Wolfson at the plate. The junior went 2-for-4 on the day and drove in all three runs for Gilmer.

Five different players had hits for the Panthers (4-8, 1-3 Region 8-AA), with senior Carter Wright and junior JJ Littles driving in a run each.

Gilmer was the first to get on the board, scoring a run in the top of the first inning.

Sophomore Blake Zabala singled to second base to start the inning for the Bobcats. He advanced to second base after a sacrifice from Jess Buckner and then scored on a line-drive double to centerfield from Wolfson to put the score at 1-0.

Union Co. junior shortstop Isaak Mullinack got the Panthers out of the inning with an unassisted double play on a line drive from Gilmer junior Jake Rhodes.

The Panthers tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning.

After back-to-back one-out singles from junior Damien Chitwood and senior Alec Youngblood, Little managed to hit a ground ball to short stop. The Bobcats turned the double play to end the inning, but not before Chitwood crossed home plate to tie the game.

Gilmer took the lead for good in the top of the fifth thanks to another double from Wolfson.

Union Co. vs. Gilmer

Union Co. senior Carter Wright sets up on defense.

Junior Ashton White drew a walk to start the inning. After an infield pop-out from senior Sam Davis, Zabala followed with the second Gilmer walk of the inning.

A sacrifice from Buckner moved the runners to second and third just in time for Wolfson to step to the plate.

Facing a 1-1 count, Wolfson smacked a line drive into center field, scoring both White and Zabala.

Rhodes drew another walk and sophomore Spencer Merritt reached on an error to give the Bobcats bases loaded with two outs, but Littles managed to get Gilmer senior Tyler Wright to ground out to first base to end the inning.

Trailing 3-1, the Panthers managed to score once in the bottom of the sixth.

Mullinack drew a five-pitch walk to start the inning. He advanced to second base on a wild pitch and then scored on a line-drive single to left field from Wright to put the Panthers within one at 3-2. But that was as close as Union Co. managed to get as the final inning was scoreless from both sides.

Up next for the Panthers is a doubleheader at region foe Monticello beginning at 5 p.m., Friday, March 13.

Gilmer’s next game is also a region contest against Pickens beginning at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, in Jasper.

Bobcats wrestling has 13 qualify for sectional tourney

GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports
Bobcats

The Gilmer High Bobcats wrestling squad had eight win region championships and 13 qualify for sectionals at the 2020 Region 6-4A traditional tournament Saturday, Feb. 1, at Pickens High in Jasper.

Senior Caleb Waddell, who has multiple Division-I offers, led the way for the Bobcats. Waddell was the top seed in the 170-pound bracket, earning him a bye in the first round. He defeated No. 4 seed Bradey Ensley from Southeast Whitfield Co. by pin at 1:20 in the second round, then defeated James Seay from Northwest Whitfield by pin at 40 seconds to win the region title. Waddell is the defending state champion at 170 pounds.

At 106 pounds, Gustavo Morales brought home the region championship to Ellijay. Morales, a senior, was the No. 1 seed in the bracket. He defeated Esteban Chavarria from Southeast Whitfield Co. by pin at 2:36 in the second round, then defeated Tate Thomas from Heritage by pin at 1:28 to win the title.

Lucas Lopez, a senior, won the 120-pound title for the Bobcats. Lopez was the top seed in the bracket. He defeated Elijah Langston from Ridgeland by pin at 2:42 in the second round before taking down Riso Webb from Southeast Whitfield Co. by a 2-1 score to win the championship.

Junior Brock Sumner won the 132-pound title for the Bobcats. The top seed, Sumner defeated Garrett Pennington from Heritage in the second round by pin at 4:40, then defeated Avery Sullivan from LaFayette by a score of 6-2 to win the title.

Diago Jacinto, a freshman, was the top seed in the 138-pound bracket and won the title for Gilmer. Jacinto defeated Garrett Romans from Ridgeland by a 6-3 score in the second round, before winning the championship 6-4 against Manny Barreiro from Northwest Whitfield.

Junior Abel Jacinto brought home the title in the 160-pound class. As the No. 1 seed, Jacinto defeated Ethan Morgan from Ridgeland 14-4 in the second round, before defeating Jordan McCamish of Northwest Whitfield 3-2 to win the region title.

In the 220-pound class, No. 1 seed Samuel Tercero, a junior, defeated Kaleb Nicholson of Pickens 3-2 in the second round and David Patterson from LaFayette by pin at the three-minute mark to win the title.

Second seed Jacob Cruz, a sophomore, brought home the region title. He defeated Eli Rittenberry of Pickens by pin at 1:04 in the first round, Freddie Ambriz of Southeast Whitfield Co. by pin at 2:40 in the second round, and No. 1 seed Matthew Wallin of LaFayette by a score of 4-0 in the title match.

Junior Walter Lopez placed second in the 113-pound division as the No. 2 seed. Lopez defeated Cyrek Johnson of LaFayette in the second round, 7-1, before falling to No. 1 seed Victor Pineda of Northwest Whitfield by a score of 10-3 in the title match.

At 182 pounds, senior Mike Owens place second for Gilmer. The No. 2 seed, Owens defeated Daiman Banta of Northwest Whitfield 10-6 in the second round before falling to No. 1 seed Drake Parker of Heritage in the title match by pin at 1:35.

Miguel Jacinto, a sophomore, placed third at 126 pounds. After winning his first-round match against Joshua Hernandez of LaFayette by pin at 1:30, Jacinto fell in the second round to No. 2 seed Aiden Raymer of Ridgeland by pin at 2:30. In the third-place bracket, Jacinto defeated Ashton Pruitt of Southeast Whitfield by pin at 1:40, before defeating James Buck of Northwest Whitfield by pin at 4:43 to place third.

Freshman Hunter Brown placed third at 145-pound for Gilmer. Brown, the No. 5 seed, defeated Christian Merrill of Heritage 17-0 in the first round before falling to top-seeded Trenton Miller of Northwest Whitfield in the second round by pin. In the third-place bracket, Brown defeated Nate Davis of Pickens by a score of 6-4 to place third.

At 195 pounds, sophomore Dylan Galloway placed third for the Bobcats. Galloway, the No 2 seed, fell to Dalton Brunner of Pickens in the second round by a 5-3 score. In the third-place bracket, Galloway defeated Daniel Gonzalez of Southeast Whitfield Co. with a pin in 19 seconds, before taking down Alex Eacret of Heritage by pin at 2:21 to place third.

At 152 pounds, sophomore Domingo Escabor placed fifth for Gilmer.

The top four finishers from the region match will go on to wrestle in the sectional match, which is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7 and 8, at Lanier High in Buford.

There are two sectionals for the entire state, with the top eight wrestlers from each schedule meeting at the state tournament in a 16-person bracket to determine the state champion.

Weigh-ins for the sectional tournament are set to begin at 10 a.m. on Friday morning.

 

 

Gilmer Bobcats wrestlers set for Region 6-4A tournament

GHS Wrestling, Team FYN Sports
Gilmer

With the Region 6-4A traditional tournament set to kick off at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Feb. 1, at Pickens High in Jasper, the Gilmer wrestling team comes in as the favorite in most weight classes.

Wrestling

The Gilmer Bobcats wrestling program is led by Josh Ghobadpoor (center).

Head coach Josh Ghobadpoor is in his third year at the helm of the traditional wrestling powerhouse Bobcats, who have been in the state dual finals for 11-straight seasons, losing this year to Woodward.

As a dual unit, the Bobcats went 26-3 on the season, with losses to Class 5A Woodland, Class 6A Cleveland from Tennessee, and the state finals loss to Woodward.

The Bobcats have won dual state championships and traditional state championships a total of 17 times, and hope this is the year they get back in the winner’s circle.

At 106 pounds, senior Gustavo Morales goes into the region tournament as the No. 1 seed in his weight class.

At 113 pounds, No. 2-seed Walter Lopez is coming off a state qualifier appearance in 2019.

At 120 pounds, senior Lucas Lopez is the No. 1 seed and Ghobadpoor said he is an “outstanding” wrestling and one of the captains of the squad. The coach also said Lopez has been contacted by collegiate wrestling programs.

At 126 pounds, sophomore Miguel Jaciento is the third seed. Ghobadpoor said the weight class is “one of the two toughest in the region.”

At 132 pounds, Brock Sumner, a senior, is the top seed and looks to be in position to qualify for the state tournament, according to Ghobadpoor.

Wrestling

The 2019-20 Gilmer Bobcats wrestling program finished as the Class 4A runners up at the state dual tournament.

At 138 pounds, Diego Jaciento, just a freshman, is the top seed. He is coming off finishing as the runner up in the kids state championship last season as an eighth grader.

At 145 pounds, Hunter Brown is the fifth seed in just his freshman year. Ghobadpoor described Brown as “tough” and capable of pulling an upset to move on to the sectionals next week.

At 152 pounds, sophomore Domingo Escobar goes into the tournament as the No. 6 seed. Ghobadpoor said he will “battle. He’s a fighter and a hard worker.”

At 160 pounds, junior and top see Abel Jaciento is looking to get back to the sectionals, where he has qualified to reach in the past. Ghobadpoor said Jaciento is 29-8 on the season and has already defeated the 2019 state champion in the weight class.

At 170 pounds is the top seeded senior Caleb Waddell, who is the defending Class 4A state champion in the weight class. Waddell has offers already on the table from some top Division-I programs and should be able to earn his ticket back to the state tournament.

At 182 pounds, Mike Owens, a senior, is the second seed heading into the region tournament.

At 195 pounds, Dillon Galloway, a sophomore, is the No. 2 seed in what Ghobadpoor said is “probably the toughest weight class in the region.”

At 220 pounds, Samuel Tercero is the top seed as a junior. “He’s a really tough kid. He’s already beaten the other seeded wrestlers in the bracket this season,” Ghobadpoor said. Tercero missed the state tournament by just one match last season.

At 285, Jacob Cruz, a sophomore, is the No. 2 seed. He went 4-0 in the state dual finals. “He’s got a different style than most heavyweights. He likes to move around,” Ghobadpoor said.

The top four finishers in each weight class at the Region 6-4A tournament will move on to sectionals.

The sectional tournament is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8, at Lanier High in Buford.

There are two sectional tournaments covering the entire state. The top eight finishers from each sectional move on to the state tournament, where a 16-member bracket decides the state champion.

The state traditional wrestling championships are scheduled for Feb. 13-15 at the Macon Centreplex in Macon.

Bobcats take down Southeast Whitfield on the road

GHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports
Sanford
The Gilmer Bobcats defeated the Southeast Whitfield Raiders Tuesday, Jan. 7, 65-43 in Dalton.
Sanford

Sophomore Cade Carter goes up for two points in recent action for the Bobcats. Carter scored 16 points in a win last week.

The first quarter was close and ended with a score of 10-9. Gilmer made some free throws in the second quarter and Brady Sanford hit two clutch 3-pointers to help get the offense going. With some good rebounding and defensive play, the Bobcats were able to pull away and end the first half leading 31-19.

The second half was more of the same for Gilmer. They never allowed the Raiders to get good shots and the defense was dominant in the paint. Sanford stayed hot from the perimeter and Southeast Whitfield could not find a way to get it close.
With the game getting out of reach in the fourth quarter, Coach Jordan Hice was able to play many of his younger players who hadn’t gotten much playing time thus far in the season.
Brady Sanford was the leading scorer for Gilmer with 20 points. Cade Carter scored 16 points. Lewis Mulkey had 10 points. Luke Wimpey and Gavin Burger each added five points.
Coach Jordan Hice said after the game, “We got a good lead in the first half, 12 points, and we talked about a few things during halftime that we were messing up, like ball hand off. The main thing for us was to come back and extend the lead in the second half. This was the first time that we’ve been able to extend the lead like we’ve wanted to. We’ve usually been the team to let them come back on us. “
On Brady Sanford: “When he’s hitting from outside, our whole game changes. Because the opposing team has got to spread out, that gives us good driving gaps. When Brady is hitting shots and we’re driving and moving the ball, it’s usually a good game for us.”
On the blowout win: “It’s always good for experience. In the fourth quarter, we were able to play some guys that don’t normally get to play.”
On the next game against Heritage: “It was a big loss for us the last time we played them. They’re very well rounded defensively and they also shot the ball well last time. We had a horrible shooting night, so hopefully we can score a little bit, play much better defense, keep it close, and put ourselves in a position to win the game.”
Gilmer now has an overall record of 7-7 (3-4 Region 6-4A). Southeast Whitfield falls to 0-18 overall and 0-7 in the region
The Bobcats take the court again Tuesday, Jan. 14, against Heritage in Ringgold. That game tips off at 7:30 p.m.

Gilmer Bobcats take down rival Fannin Co.

GHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports
Gilmer
Gilmer junior Brady Sanford took the first shot of the game, a 3-pointer that was good, and that seemed to set the tone for the rest of the game Saturday, Jan. 4, in Ellijay as Gilmer took a 3-0 lead and never trailed in a 70-52 win against rival Fannin Co.
Gilmer

Sophomore Cade Carter brings down a rebound in recent action for the Bobcats.

Gilmer benefited from outstanding rebounding on both ends of the court and timely shooting during critical moments throughout the night. Each time the Rebels got close, the Bobcats responded and pulled away.

Lewis Mulkey scored 18 points, Cade Carter added 15 points, and Brady Sanford finished with 12. Ethan Banks and Luke Wimpey each scored eight points for the Bobcats.
After Saturday night’s game, Coach Jordan Hice had this to say: “We had great momentum for our team both offensively and defensively. We had a few players getting in foul trouble and had to pull and sit them, but we had guys coming off the bench that went in and scored.”
Gilmer

Junior Braden Jenkins brings the ball up the floor for Gilmer in recent action.

“All around, the first half was great for us. The worst part was the third quarter. We slowed down our scoring and we gave up too many points. I think the thing that helped us was Fannin got into foul trouble. We were in double bonus during the whole fourth quarter. Hitting those free throws was a big part of the win for us.”

On the upcoming game against Southeast Whitfield, Coach Hice said: “This will be the second time we’ve played them. We beat them last time, but it’s the second half of the season now and every team is getting better. We have to keep our starters out of foul trouble and be able to hit shots on offense. We can’t give up easy buckets on defense. Those are the things we’ll be working on.”
On what the win against Fannin means to Gilmer: “It’s always good to beat a rival.”
The Rebels drop to 3-10 on the season and the Bobcats’ win snaps a four-game losing streak and their record now stands at 6-6.
Gilmer faces Southeast Whitfield (0-17) in Dalton on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m.

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week: Brady Sanford, No. 5 junior

GHS Basketball, Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports
Brady Sanford

After his performance in three games during the past week, Brady Sanford is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats!

The 6-foot-4 junior guard averaged nearly 17 points per game during the three-game stretch, including leading the team in the team’s two victories.

Sanford scored just 10 points in Gilmer’s loss to Pickens on Nov. 23, but rebounded quickly to score a game-high 17 twice in wins against Hiwassee Dam on Nov. 25 and Fannin Co. on Nov. 26 to lead the team to a second-place finish in the annual Thanksgiving tournament in Blue Ridge.

Sanford his four 3-pointers in the Bobcats’ victory over the area-rival Rebels in the second-place game.

For his efforts, Sanford is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats!

To read about Gilmer’s three games during the past week, click here.

Gilmer boys place second in tournament

GHS Basketball, Team FYN Sports
Gilmer

With a slim, 40-38 win against Fannin Co. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, the Gilmer High boys basketball team moved to 3-1 on the season and placed second in the annual Thanksgiving tournament in Blue Ridge.

The Bobcats started the tournament Saturday, Nov. 23, against area-rival Pickens (2-2). While both team are from Region 6-4A, the game did not count toward either team’s region schedule.

Gilmer

From left, Braden Jenkins, Cade Carter, and Brady Sanford were each named to the all-tournament team for the Bobcats.

Gilmer lost the game 67-64 after entering the final quarter tied at 50 each.

Despite Braden Jenkins scoring seven of his 10 points in the quarter, the team couldn’t slow down the Dragons who pulled away late to earn the three-point win.

Sophomore center Cade Carter had a team-high 20 points, including 10 in the first quarter to propel the Bobcats into the early 23-17 lead at the end of the opening period.

Luke Wimpey scored 15 points from his guard position, while junior Brady Sanford and Braden Jenkins each added 10 in the loss.

Junior Carson Pierce scored nine to round out the scoring for Gilmer.

The Bobcats rebounded against Hiwassee Dam on day two of the tournament Monday, Nov. 25. Gilmer earned the 52-35 victory led by Sandford’s 17 points and Carter’s 16.

Jenkins (8), Bryson Sisson (6), Wimpey (3), and Lewis Mulkey (2) all scored for the Bobcats in the victory.

Against the Rebels in the second-place game Tuesday, Nov. 26, Sanford again led with a game-high 17 points. He was clutch late as the Rebels stormed back from being down seven at 30-23 to start the period. Sanford hit a pair of 3-pointers in the final quarter to give the Bobcats the narrow victory in spite of the team shooting just 2-of-7 from the free-throw line in the quarter.

Jenkins scored 13 points, while Wimpey and Carter each added four. Mulkey rounded out the scoring effort from the Bobcats with two points in the win.

Sanford, Jenkins, and Carter were each named to the all-tournament team for the Bobcats.

Up next for Gilmer is the first Region 6-4A game of the season against Southeast Whitfield Co. That game is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Blue Ridge.

The Bobcats split their two games with the Raiders last season.

To read about the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats, click here.

 

GHS mentors students in adult life with “Adulting Day”

Bobcat's Corner, Community

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Students all across Gilmer High School were introduced to life after Senior Year through a new event, Adulting Day.

Including students from all grades, the day showcased different experts in areas of the future from college and careers to everyday tasks like tax forms and budgets throughout the day. Students were also invited to speak with representatives from Military branches and colleges during the day.

Steak Parade at Adulting Day in Gilmer High SchoolWith more available, a few of the classes we visited included culinary skills at the Steak Parade, speaking with law enforcement about career options and opportunities, learning about traveling with a Travel Agency, local economy with JDA Executive Director Kent Sanford, dangers of Social Media, how to fill out Tax Returns, Budgeting, Healthcare careers, and trade careers. Some classes even dealt with current choices about high school life that will directly affect college or post-graduation life including SAT Prep and Personal Health and Wellness.

The day also included an outdoor experience as students attempted to “drive under the influence” through the use of special goggles and a guided course while driving a golf cart.

Drunk Driving Course during Adulting Day at Gilmer High SchoolThe experience used several different goggles that varied through vision and equilibrium impairment based on different BAC (Blood-Alcohol Content) levels. While not overly challenging the course showcased how difficult even simple obstructions become through the different levels of intoxication.

Students attended the classes and college fair throughout the day up to 2:15 p.m. sharing in information from teachers and experts alike. Different from normal college fairs, these classes added the extra step to prepare some who may not choose college or may take alternate paths in life. Additionally, granting these first experiences through necessary events like taxes allowed for questions and advice to be exchanged through the school environment.

The event was hosted by Gilmer High School Administration and Counselors involving the teachers and an additional 30 volunteers.

The Adulting Day event has been confirmed to continue annually as Gilmer High School Principal Carla Foley stated, “We will definitely make this a yearly event.”

 

See more photos of the event at FYN’s Facebook Page.

Cade Carter is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats

GHS Basketball, Player Of The Week, Team FYN Sports
Cade Carter

Cade Carter is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats!

Carter put forth incredible effort last week, pulling down double-digit rebounds and scoring double-digits points in two wins for Gilmer.

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Carter scored 16 points as the Bobcats took down Region 6-4A opponent Southeast Whitfield Co. 68-55 in Ellijay.

Carter followed that with 14 points and double-digit rebounds in a big, non-conference win at Murphy on Thursday, Dec. 5, in Murphy.

Carter came to play over the week on defense, providing great inside presence for the Bobcats in the two wins. The sophomore is off to a strong start as the strongest post player for Gilmer, which is 5-1 overall this season.

For his efforts, Carter is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bobcats!

Gilmer announces Teacher of the Year

Bobcat's Corner, News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Announcing the 2019 Teacher of the Year, Gilmer County’s Board of Education celebrated the award during their November meetings as they named Tina McDaniel as recipient.

Moving from School Teacher of the Year to the system-wide Teacher of the Year, McDaniel said, “This is just a great honor. It’s a blessing to be able to work with such wonderful people in this county. It’s awesome.”

https://youtu.be/z4uRHlOBY0U

Administration actually surprised McDaniel in first period Science class a week before they announced her during their meeting. McDaniel said she couldn’t believe that she had been named Teacher of the Year as the surprise came early in the morning. The celebration brought smiles to both the teacher and her first period students who shared cake with their teacher during the surprise.

McDaniel has been teaching for 16 years now. Her first year she taught 7th Grade Science and Social Studies, but the last 15 years have been spent in 6th Grade Science and is currently a PLC Leader. She was named Clear Creek Middle School’s Teacher of the Year in October where she was described as “greeting everyone on a daily basis with a warm and welcoming smile, inspires all students to learn through engaging hands-on activities, very well respected by her colleagues, and spends time in the community by being a soft ball and basketball coach for Gilmer Parks and Recreation.”

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