Weekly Sports Calendar
TODAY! MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
No games scheduled
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16
5:00pm Varsity volleyball: Wesleyan at GACS; Area 4-AA/A Semifinals; Bradford Gym
6:00pm Varsity volleyball: Decatur vs. Buford; Area 4-AA/A Semifinals; Bradford Gym
7:00pm Varsity volleyball: 5pm game loser vs. 6pm game winner; Area 4-AA/A volleyball Semifinals; Bradford Gym
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
No games scheduled
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
7:00pm Varsity volleyball: GACS at Wesleyan; Area 4-AA/A Finals
*****Canceled***Ninth grade football: Holy Innocents 9th at GACS*****
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
6:00pm Varsity softball: GACS vs. Union Co.; State AA Sectional Tourney; Alto Park; Rome GA [Winner of this game will play again at 8:00pm; loser at 10am Saturday]
7:30am Varsity football: Wesleyan at GACS; Spartan Stadium
8:00pm Varsity softball: GACS vs. TBD; State AA Sectional Tourney; Alto Park; Rome GA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
TBD Varsity softball: GACS at AA Sectional Tournament; Alto Park; Rome GA
10:00am Eighth grade football: Blessed Trinity 8th at GACS; Spartan Stadium
10:00am Junior High cross country: GACS at Wesleyan
10:40am Varsity cross country: GACS at Coach Wood Invitational; Gainesville College
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SOFTBALL
Head coach Judy Tenney
LADY SPARTANS ARE 2007 REGION CHAMPIONS
[Photo by Julia Osteen]
Coach Tenney reports:
The Lady Spartan softball team and coaches want to send out a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the region championship game [Thursday] night.
The large cheering crowd made a big difference as the Lady Spartans captured
their 2nd straight region championship in extra inning play beating Buford 1-0.
Sarah Armstrong scored the winning run as Mady Baker beat out a close play
at first with 2 outs in the inning. Jessica Coan had a 15 strikeout performance
pitching one of her best games of the year. The Lady Spartans move on to the sectional tournament (the 1st round of state) next weekend.
GAC CAPTURES SECOND REGION CROWN;
SPARTANS NOTCH 1-0 WIN OVER BUFORD
By Scott Smith, Senior Correspondent
Oct. 12 Gwinnett Daily Post
NORCROSS - One little, bitty run was all it took. Greater Atlanta Christian pushed across one run in the bottom of the eighth on Thursday night in the finals of the Region 6-AA tournament to top Buford 1-0 and claim the tournament title for the second straight year.
Mady Baker, who was 3-for-4 for GAC, beat out an infield single with two outs as Sarah Armstrong came across with the game's lone run.
"I was trying to be as confident as I could but inside I was really nervous," Baker said. "I kept telling myself I was going to hit the ball and I finally did. I knew it was going to be a close play (at first) but my adrenaline kicked in and I was safe."
GAC (31-1-1) headed into the eighth with Armstrong at second per international tie breaker rules. Kelsey McDavid executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Armstrong to third, bringing Chaney Means to the plate. With the infield in, Means smacked a bullet on the first pitch, but Buford pitcher Melissa Higginbotham showed quick reflexes and robbed Means of a game-winning hit. That brought Baker up, and her squibber between first and second was just far enough away for her to beat the throw.
"All day I just felt like it was going to come down to one play," GAC head coach Judy Tenney said. "They (Buford) are such a tough team and they're so focused and they never go down easy. A couple of times we got a little frustrated but I'm proud of the girls' discipline."
Both teams received stellar performances from their starting pitchers as Buford's Higginbotham and GAC's Jessica Coan locked horns for eight innings with neither one willing to budge. Coan (26-0-1) got off to a terrific start by striking out the first eight hitters she faced and ended the game with 15 strikeouts, one walk and one hit, both of which were credited to Ashley Razey. Higginbotham was just as strong, allowing four hits with seven strikeouts and two walks, but GAC's ability to execute in the eighth eventually proved to be the difference.
"If you focus on the task of trying to beat them twice, that's pretty overwhelming," Buford head coach Tony Wolfe said. "For us, it was to come down here and focus on the process of playing, and I'm really pleased with how we played today."
As tournament champion, GAC gets an automatic spot in the Class AA state sectionals and will play the No. 4 seed from Region 8-AA next Friday at Alto Park in Rome, while Buford, the only team to beat GAC this season, will face the No. 3 seed from Region 8-AA.
GAC WINS REGION IN NAIL-BITER
By Larry Hartstein
Oct. 12 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pitcher Jessica Coan's power is Greater Atlanta Christian's biggest weapon. The speed of Mady Baker proved just as valuable Thursday.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Baker easily beat out a grounder to the right side that scored Sarah Armstrong, giving GAC a heartstopping 1-0 win over Buford.
The host Spartans (31-1-1) earned their second straight region crown, third in the past four years.
"I was really nervous, but when I hit the ball the adrenaline started pumping," said Baker, a junior first baseman who had three of GAC's four hits. "I saw the base wasn't really being covered and my adrenaline just kicked in more."
Baker sprinted across the bag and when she turned around, the Spartans were pouring out of the dugout. As expected, the game turned into a duel between Coan (15 strikeouts, 1 hit allowed) and Melissa Higginbotham (seven strikeouts).
According to tiebreaker rules, both teams started the eighth with a runner on second. Coan struck out the side, setting up the game-winning rally.
With Armstrong on second, Kelsey McDavid laid down a beautiful bunt that advanced the runner. Chaney Means hit a low liner, but Higginbotham somehow snared it for the second out. Then Baker delivered.
"I felt it was going to come down to one play because [Buford] is such a tough team," Spartans coach Judy Tenney said. "They are so focused, they never go down easy and there's a pride factor, too." Baker has elevated her game in recent weeks, according to Tenney, "and her speed and getting down the baseline made that whole thing happen."
Wolves catcher Ashley Razey doubled and drew a semi-intentional walk. Otherwise, Coan was untouchable.
"She's awful tough," Buford coach Tony Wolfe said of Coan, a Georgia Tech commitment. "It didn't work out for us today, but we played pretty well."
GAC has won three of four meetings with Buford (26-6-1). They could meet again in the state tournament, which begins with sectionals Oct. 19-20. After finishing second in Class AA last year, the Spartans are determined to finally win it all.
"I told the girls to enjoy it tonight and take the day off [Friday]," Tenney said. "But Monday come back focused and ready to go because this isn't really what we're after. "The region championship is a great thing," she added, "but it's not why we came out this year."
Reagan Page hammers her first homerun [Photo by Ed Page]
REAGAN PAGE GOING FOR FEWEST STRIKEOUT RECORD
Oct. 9 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Greater Atlanta Christian third baseman Reagan Page, who will sign with Georgetown, has an chance of setting the school record for fewest strikeouts in a season. Page has two in 68 plate appearances.
Said GAC coach Judy Tenney: "She is an aggressive hitter, and always finds a way to make contact. She has a great eye for the strike zone."
CLASS AA SOFTBALL RANKINGS
1. Greater Atlanta Christian
2. Buford
3. North Oconee
4. Berrien County
5. Savannah Christian
6. Morgan County
7. Dodge County
8. East Jackson County
9. Cook County
10. LaFayette
[Source: www.GaSports.com]
VARSITY SOFTBALL RECORD [31-1-1]
GACS 6-5 Forsyth Central
GACS 11-0 Central Gwinnett
GACS 15-0 Chamblee
GACS 1-0 Eastside
GACS 1-0 Oconee County
GACS 5-2 Peachtree Ridge
GACS 15-0 Cross Keys
GACS 1-0 Collins Hill
GACS 1-0 Avondale [forfeit]
GACS 1-0 Walton
SHAW TOURNAMENT
GACS 10-0 Columbus
GACS 4-1 Walton
GACS 12-0 Hardaway
GACS 2-0 Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
GACS 3-1 Madison County [Shaw Tournament Championship game]
GACS 4-0 Decatur
GACS 15-0 Walker
BROOKWOOD INVITATIONAL
GACS 0-0 East Jackson [tie]
GACS 1-0 South Forsyth
GACS 1-0 Harrison
Diamond Medal Round
GACS 1-0 Kennesaw Mountain
GACS 2-0 Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe
GACS 4-6 Buford
GACS 9-1 Wesleyan
GACS 4-0 Lovett
GACS 4-0 Creekview
GACS 4-2 Buford
GACS 2-1 Pace
GACS 7-1 Holy Innocents’
REGION 6-AA TOURNAMENT
GACS 15-0 Decatur
GACS 7-0 Wesleyan
GACS 3-0 Buford
GACS 1-0 Buford [Championship game]
GHSA SECTIONAL TOURNAMENT; ALTO PARK; ROME GA
Oct. 19 GACS vs. Union County; 6:00pm [winner plays again at 8:00pm]
Oct. 19 TBD
Oct. 20 Third round of Sectional Tournament
GHSA STATE TOURNAMENT; COLUMBUS GA SOFTBALL COMPLEX
Oct. 25 First round of State Tournament
Oct. 25 Second round of State Tournament
Oct. 26 Third round of State Tournament
Oct. 27 Fourth round of State Tournament
Oct. 27 Championship game
VARSITY SOFTBALL ROSTER
Jessica Coan...Kelsey McDavid...Mollie Mitchell...Reagan Page...Mady Baker
Kamarin Moon…Cecelia Stephens...Carly Busbee...Chaney Means...Katie Petrino
Sarah Armstrong…Alex McDavid...Sarah Robinson...Christine Young
5 reasons why...softball rules need changing
by Michael Carvell
Oct. 9 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Kennesaw Mountain's Ashley Pauly is one of the state's top shortstops. She is batting .423 and intends to sign with the University of Georgia. Pauly gives us five reasons why the GHSA needs to change five rules for high school softball:
1. Move the plate back
"I'd like to see it go to 43 feet [from 40] like in college. It would make it easier to hit, and you'd have three more feet to see [the ball]."
2. Shoe options
"I'd allow metal cleats. They give you so much better traction to run and pivot. People wouldn't be sliding around as much."
3. Let us wear jewelry
"I get caught all the time, and it makes me mad. I wear earrings, and they make me take them out. You should be able to wear some."
4. Too many no-calls
"[The rule on catchers blocking the plate] needs to be enforced more. They should give you enough room so you don't have to deviate from your [running] path."
5. Let pitchers, catchers meet at the mound
"You want to congratulate your pitcher on the last out, or go over strategy for the next batter.”
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VOLLEYBALL
Senior volleyball players Katie Rowell, Alex Shelton, Caroline Vick & Ainsley Sutton [photo by Kristy Shelton]
LADY SPARTANS ADVANCE TO AREA SEMIFINALS AT BRADFORD GYM
NORCROSS - Greater Atlanta Christian crushed Cross Keys and narrowly defeated Decatur in three games in the Area 4-A/AA volleyball tournament on Saturday, earning a spot in the state playoffs.
Amanda Komisarow had a team-leading 23 kills and 12 aces as the Spartans improved to 31-10 this season. Anjelica Wilcox had 12 kills and eight blocks while Katie Rowell added 10 kills to the effort. Senior setter Alex Shelton had 40 assists and nine digs in the two matches.
The Spartans advance to play Wesleyan on Tuesday in the area tournament winner's bracket. That match will help determine seeding for the state playoffs. Decatur and Buford will also represent the area at the state tournament. [Oct. 14 Gwinnett Daily Post]
The Bradford Gym will be the site of this year’s Area 4-AA/A volleyball tournament on October 16 & 18. The tourney will use a double elimination format; a team will move to the losers’ bracket with its first loss, and then eliminated with a second loss. On October 18 the two teams that reach the finals will play a best 3 of five game match for the area championship.
The top four teams (semifinalists) from each area tournament advance to the State Sectional Tournament at either Savannah Christian Preparatory School or Savannah Country Day School on Oct. 27th. The State AA/A semi-finals will be at the Marist School on November 1st, and the finals for all classifications will be at Marietta High School on November 3rd.
GAC FALLS TWICE
Oct. 10 Gwinnett Daily Post
NORCROSS - GAC lost to Blessed Trinity 15-25, 25-22, 17-25 and to Oconee County 25-19, 18-25, 22-25 on Tuesday. Amanda Komisaro totaled 20 kills and Katie Rowell had 23 digs. Anjelica Wilcox added 10 kills and Alex Shelton had 41 assists for the night.
AA/A VOLLEYBALL RANKINGS
1. Wesleyan
2. Lovett
3. Holy Innocents Episcopal School
4. Greater Atlanta Christian School
5. Savannah Country Day
6. Landmark Christian Academy
7. Walker
8. Savannah Christian
9. Athens Academy
10. Mt. Pisgah
[Source: www.GaSports.com]
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL RECORD [31-10]
GACS 2-1 Brookwood
GACS 2-0 Collins Hill
GACS 2-0 Riverwood
GACS 2-0 Pace Academy
GACS 2-0 Providence Christian
GACS 2-0 South Gwinnett
GACS 2-1 Grayson
GACS 0-2 Norcross
GACS 2-0 Berkmar
GACS 2-0 Parkview
GACS 2-0 Brookwood
GACS 2-0 Dunwoody
GACS 0-2 Landmark Christian
GACS 2-1 Eagles Landing Christian
GACS 0-2 Holy Innocents
GACS 0-2 Savannah Country Day
GACS 2-0 Hardaway
GACS 2-0 Central Gwinnett
GACS 2-0 West Hall
GACS 2-0 LaFayette
GACS 2-0 Cartersville
GACS 2-0 Prince Avenue Christian School
GACS 2-0 Harris County
GACS 0-2 South Forsyth
GACS 0-3 Marist
GACS 2-0 Decatur
GACS 2-0 Avondale
GACS 2-0 Hebron
GACS 2-0 Cross Keys [forfeit]
GACS 2-0 Buford
GACS 1-2 Wesleyan
GACS 2-1 North Gwinnett
GACS 2-1 Dacula
GACS 2-0 Brookwood
GACS 2-1 Parkview
GACS 0-2 Wesleyan
GACS 1-2 Holy Innocents
GACS 1-2 Oconee County
AREA 4-AA/A TOURNAMENT
GACS 2-0 Cross Keys
GACS 2-1 Decatur
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
Oct. 16 Area Tournament Semifinals at GACS; Bradford Gym
Oct. 18 Area Tournament Finals at GACS; Bradford Gym [best 3 of 5 games]
Oct. 27 State AA/A Sectional Tournament
Nov. 1 State AA/A Semifinals at Marist
Nov. 3 All-Classifications Finals at Marietta High School
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL ROSTER
#2 Katie Rowell - Sr. Captain
#3 Katie Stevens - Soph.
#5 Briana Jordan - Soph.
#6 Alex Shelton - Sr. Captain
#8 Megan Rosburg - Fr.
#9 Elizabeth McMurray - Jr.
#11 Anjelica Wilcox - Jr.
#12 Amanda Komisarow - Soph.
#14 Caroline Vick - Sr. Captain
#15 Sam Vining - Jr.
#20 Ainsley Sutton - Sr. Captain
Alex Pan – manager
Evan Turner – manager
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FOOTBALL
Senior TE/LB Christian Robinson [photo by Su Anderson/Gwinnett Daily Post]
Christian Robinson will be honored today by the Atlanta Touchdown Club at a noon luncheon for being the Lineman of the Week for his performance against Lovett. [10/15/07 SH Announcement]
AVONDALE 18, GAC 14
GAC DROPS SHOCKER TO AVONDALE
By Andrew B. Adler
Oct. 13 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When quarterback Colton Chapple's errant pitchout was recovered by Avondale's Antonio Scott at the Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) 1-yard line on the game's very first play from scrimmage, Spartan coach Jimmy Chupp could only pray for a better ending. It never happened.
Coach Mark Adams called the Blue Devils 18-14 upset of GAC (4-3, 2-3) the biggest win since his arrival back in 2005.
"In 2004, this team was terrible," Adams said. "We were 0-10 and lost games by an average of 35 points. Tonight, we showed that we now have a good football team. We beat a great team that was ranked third in the state last year."
After three straight losses, Chupp could only wonder how a team that was ranked third in Class AA last season could lose four of six fumbles. The sixth fumble proved to be its costliest, as it led to Avondale's winning touchdown.
"We came out flat, and could never get it going," said GAC's visibly stunned head coach. "I don't know what happened on the pitchout, or why we committed so many turnovers. I'll have to look at the game films to fully assess what happened."
For all those who watched the Spartans' debacle at Halford Stadium, it was easy to comprehend the train wreck in progress.
The impending wreck culminated with its sixth fumble. It proved to the costliest, as it led to Avondale's winning touchdown. Trailing 14-12, Carlton Allen-Harrison scored on a 2-yard quarterback keep with 5:54 remaining in the fourth quarter.
On its ensuing possession, GAC drove from its own 35 to Avondale's 19 with 2:20 left. A helpless Spartan defense could only watch the Blue Devils run out the final 2:07 after turning the ball on downs.
"When you make a team drive the length of the field and make them run seven or nine plays, there's a good chance of creating a turnover," Adams said.And because of running back Zaccheus McKinstry's 1-yard run at 11:47 of the first quarter, and Allen-Harrison's 87-yard touchdown pass to Greg Boyd in the waning seconds of the same quarter, it also forced the Spartans to play catch-up.
It was 12-7 Avondale (2-4, 1-2) midway through the second quarter on Bobby Petrino's 1-yard run. And then 14-12 GAC with 29 seconds remaining before halftime on Ben Donald's 2-yard run.
The only reason the two teams weren't tied at that point was that GAC's Robert Boccoluccio had converted both of his extra point attempts. Avondale had missed on its extra point attempt and failed on its first two-point conversion.
The Blue Devils also failed on its second, two-point try. But, in the end, a jubilant Avondale football team could care less. There was too much celebrating taking place.
AVONDALE 18, GAC 14
GAC 0 14 0 0 — 14
AHS 12 0 0 6 — 18
A - Zaccheus McKinstry 1-yard run (kick failed)
A - Greg Boyd 87-yard pass from Carlton Allen-Harrison (Pass failed)
GAC - Bobby Petrino 1-yard run (Robert Boccoluccio kick)
GAC - Ben Donald 2-yard run (Boccoluccio kick)
A - Allen-Harrison 2-yard run (Run failed)
Avondale 18, GAC 14
By Bud L. Ellis, Staff Correspondent
Oct. 13 Gwinnett Daily Post
CLARKSTON - The bad feeling Jimmy Chupp experienced after the first play Friday afternoon only grew worse as day turned to night.
"You worry when your first play is a turnover," the Greater Atlanta Christian head coach said.
GAC fumbled eight times in all, losing four, and the Spartans fell 18-14 to Avondale at Hallford Stadium. It was GAC's third straight loss.
Maybe it was the traffic, the 5:15 p.m. kickoff time or the fact the Spartans entered the game following their first consecutive losses in nearly four seasons. Whatever the reason, GAC (4-3, 2-3 Region 6-AA) struggled to hold onto the football. Five fumbles in the first 12 minutes went a long way toward staking Avondale to a 12-0 lead after one quarter, and a fumble midway through the fourth quarter set up the go-ahead touchdown for the Blue Devils.
Up 14-12, the Spartans were driving and, more importantly, running the clock. But GAC running back Bobby Petrino was stripped of the ball, and Avondale's Antonio Scott recovered at the Blue Devils' 47.
Five plays later, Scott bounced into the end zone from 2-yards out, giving the Blue Devils (2-4, 1-3) an 18-14 advantage with 5:54 left.
The Spartans didn't quit. Petrino, son of Atlanta Falcons' head coach Bobby Petrino, rushed for a game-high 123 yards. He gained 38 on six carries on GAC's final drive, helping push the Spartans to the Avondale 20 with less than three minutes left.
But Avondale defenders knocked away third- and fourth-down passes by GAC quarterback Colton Chapple, and the Blue Devils ran out the clock.
"I felt like we let it slip away," Chupp said. "We came out flat. Turnovers hurt us tonight a good bit."
The self-inflicted pain started on the game's first snap. GAC fumbled an option pitch and Scott recovered at the Spartans' 1, setting up Zaccheus McKinstry's 1-yard touchdown run to give the Blue Devils a 6-0 lead just 20 seconds into the game.
It looked like GAC was well on its way to tying the contest on its ensuing possession. The Spartans marched to the Blue Devils' 9, only to fumble again. Avondale recovered at its 7 to end the threat.
On the final play of the first quarter, the Blue Devils extended their lead with a huge play. On first-and-10 from the Avondale 13, quarterback Carlton Allen-Harrison hit receiver Greg Boyd at the GAC 45. Boyd hauled in the pass between two defenders, then raced down the right sideline and dove into the end zone for an 87-yard touchdown and a 12-0 Avondale lead.
As bad as the first 12 minutes were for GAC, it could've been worse - the Blue Devils had a long touchdown run nullified by a penalty.
GAC found its stride offensively in the second quarter.
It started with an impressive 54-yard punt return by Christian Robinson, during which Robinson broke two tackles before finally being hauled down at the Blue Devils' 26.
Following an 8-yard run by Ben Donald, Petrino did the rest, carrying three times for the final 18 yards. Petrino plunged in from the 1 for GAC's first touchdown. Robert Boccolucci converted the extra point, bringing the Spartans within 12-7 with 6:08 to go in the half.
GAC fumbled on its next possession and Boyd recovered at the Avondale 25. But with time running down in the first half, Allen-Harrison tried to throw over the middle. GAC nose tackle Taylor Boone picked off the pass and rumbled 6 yards to the Avondale 25 with 46 seconds left in the half.
Momentum had shifted the Spartans' way; the lead soon would follow.
Chapple hit Robinson for 23 yards on first down to move GAC to the Avondale 2. Two plays later, Donald bulled in from the 2 to give the Spartans the lead. Boccolucci hit the extra point to make it 14-12 with 24 seconds left before halftime.
Take away the fumbles and GAC dominated the game, especially after the first quarter. The Spartans finished with 263 yards of total offense, while holding Avondale to just 182 total yards. Of that total, 131 came on two plays: the Boyd touchdown reception at the end of the first quarter, and a 44-yard scamper by Allen-Harrison that set up the go-ahead touchdown.
"I felt like we had some good things going," Chupp said. "We just couldn't maintain it, but we'll regroup."
VARSITY FOOTBALL RECORD [Overall 4-3; Region 2-3]
GACS 14-7 Mary Persons HS
GACS 20-7 Greene County
GACS 45-7 Walker
GACS 41-8 Cross Keys
GACS 7-42 Buford
GACS 17-23 Lovett
GACS 14-18 Avondale
VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Oct. 19__WESLEYAN (Spartan Spirit Night)
Oct. 26__Open Date
Nov. 2___at Decatur
Nov. 9___HOLY INNOCENTS (Senior Night)
Nov. 16__GHSA Playoffs begin
HOME GAMES in capital letters
All games are at 7:30pm
AJC CLASS AA TOP TEN
1. Buford (7-0)
2. Charlton County (5-0)
3. Fitzgerald (6-0)
4. Early County (6-0)
5. Dodge County (5-1)
6. Savannah Christian (5-1)
7. Calhoun (5-1)
8. Thomasville (5-2)
9. Dublin (5-2)
10. Jefferson County (4-1-1)
[Oct. 15 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]
Lovett's Jack Hall piles up points in big win over GAC
Compiled by Derrick Mahone
Oct. 10 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
11 — The number of points Lovett kicker Jack Hall accumulated in helping the Lions defeat Region 6-AA rival Greater Atlanta Christian 23-17 last week for their first victory against the Gwinnett County school. Hall kicked three field goals and two extra points.
Best game? — "Yes. I never had more than two field goals in a game before. I also had six of my seven kickoffs to reach the end zone. The three field goals were a big difference in the game."
Important win? — "It was huge because it could be the difference in us getting a first-round playoff game. Since we had never beaten them, people were assuming that we would lose. It was great to win on their home field."
Your success? — "The season is going well. I haven't missed any field goals or extra-point attempts this season. I missed two games because of hand surgery, but this past game has given me a lot of confidence. I made my career longest of 35 yards against GAC, and that really helped with my confidence."
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CROSS COUNTRY
Head coach Brad Kinser
2007 Spartan Cross Country teams [photo by Glenn Martin Photography]
SPARTANS RUN AT GAINESVILLE COLLEGE ON SATURDAY
Preview of the Reebok Coach Wood Invitational
By Andy Christie
Reprinted from www.gatfcx.com
Reebook Coach Wood Meet Preview
On Saturday, Oct. 20, at Gainesville College, many of the top ranked teams in Georgia will go head to head at the 5th Annual Coach Wood Invitational.
This year’s field is the best ever, so it should be a great day. The meet was started by Coaches Andy Christie of Dacula, Daniel Monroe of Mill Creek, and former Parkview Coach Josh Crowfoot, all who ran under Wood at South Gwinnett.
Coach Wood was and still is a big influence in the lives of the boys he coached. Wood coached at South Gwinnett from 1987-2000, where he coached the AAAA 1992 State Championship team, and also coached standout runner Josh Crowfoot, who ran 9:13 and 4:17 as well as 15:06 to qualify for Foot Locker Nationals.
Coach Wood now teaches at Grayson High School, where his daughters Anna and Allison run cross country. He was also a standout runner himself, capturing a State Title in the 3200 in Tennessee, with a 3200 p.r. of 9:19.
In the Varsity Girls race, Centennial (AAAAA), Woodward, Alexander, Lakeside (AAAA), West Forsyth (AAA), and GAC and North Oconee (AA) will duke it out against each other. Sydney Marshall of Chattahoochee and Katie June of Centennial should contend for the individual title.
In the Varsity Boys race, Alexander and Lakeside are the top AAAA schools, while North Oconee and GAC represent AA. Matt Clay of Alexander is the favorite for the individual title. Hope to see you out there this Saturday!
Race Schedule:
8:00 Girls Championship Race
8:40 Boys Championship Race
9:20 Girls JV-A Race
10:00 Boys JV-A Race
10:40 Girls Varsity Race
11:20 Boys Varsity Race
12:00 Girls JV-B Race
12:40 Boys JV-B Race
1:20 Open Boys and Girls Race
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BASKETBALL
Boys head coach Mike Mitchell
Girls head coach Chandler Means
All boys in grades 9-12 who are interested in trying out for basketball this year need to sign a list in the SH office and pick up an information sheet. Tryouts will begin Oct. 29.
There will be tryouts for the Lady Spartan Basketball team beginning Monday Oct. 29th. Tryouts are open to girls in grades 9-12. If you have not already done so, please let Coach Means know if you intend to tryout on the 29th. Coach Means' office is in the Jesse Long Admin. Building, or you may email Coach Means at cmeans@greateratlantachristian.org
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CHEERLEADING
Jackie Bradley - Head coach
Alison Cape & Brett Lane - Varsity Football/Competition Community Coaches
Lauren Evans - Junior Varsity Competition Community Coach
Marci Knauss - Varsity Football Spirit Community Coach
Ellie Kenworthy - Junior Varsity Football and Varsity Basketball Spirit
Coach Stacy Guyse & JoAnn Waldrop - Junior High Football and Basketball Spirit
VARSITY COMPETITION CHEERLEADERS
Shannon Alexander...Katie Andrews...Caroline Bond
Jordan Brooks...Paige Colgrove...Sammy Doris
Morgan Doyle...Claire Goodson...Esther Kim
Kara Maltby...Meredith Martin...Amy McMahon
Austie Montgomery...Chanler Phelps...Lauren Sims
Ashleigh Veasley...Jenna Wood
JV COMPETITION CHEERLEADERS
Madison Heyward...Kendall Jolly...Sophia Kim
Maddison Moellering...Payton Polhill...Michelle Randles
Nicole Reynolds...Katie Sisco...Cammie Stevens
Erin Swirk...Alexandra Tobia...Kayla Wilding
_________________________________
MARCHING SPARTAN BAND
Director Wesley York
Laura Blanton...Brandon Bradley...Sarah Brown...Hope Casey...Anna Cottle...Peter Cottle
Tim Craddock...Joseph Deedy...Lauren Dehnart...Chip Glaser...Max Gomas...Hunter Greene
Stephen Grum...Steven Hanna...Kristin Hansen...Callaway Johnson...Soyoung Kim
Joshua King...Matt Lee...Katie Light...Taylor Martin...Brandon Mauldin...Megan Maxfield
Sydney McCall...Abbi Mistretta...Justin Mohling...Annelise Nutt...Harry Park...Logan Ream
Craig Redmon...Kimberly Steele...Zachary Stephens...Bo Tullis...Michael Turner...Dorothy Wallis
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GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCATION
Visit the website at http://www.ghsa.net/ to read the October GHSA newsletter.
The GHSA provides services to its member schools in the organization and administration of Region and State events in the following:
BOYS: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Riflery, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Wrestling
GIRLS: Basketball, Cheerleading (co-ed), Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Riflery, Fast Pitch Softball, Slow Pitch Softball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Volleyball
LITERARY: Debate, Dramatic Interpretation, Essay, Extemporaneous Speaking, One Act Plays, Quartet, Spelling, Trio, Vocal Solo.
Catch all the weekly action, highlights and interviews on Prep Sports Plus which airs statewide on Georgia Public Broadcasting on Thursdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 12:30pm. [reprinted from ghsa.net]
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COLLEGE RECRUITING OF GACS ATHLETES
GACS CLASS OF 2008
Jessica Coan________Georgia Tech____________softball
Reagan Page_________Georgetown University___softball
Christian Robinson__University of Georgia___football
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ALUMNI CORNER
[Photo by John Byrum/Associated Press reprinted from USA Today]
GAC grad #85 Landon Bennett celebrates with Wofford teammate Kyle Horne after the Terriers stunned Appalachian State 42-31 on Sept. 22.
Whitney McCray reaches ITA finals
Greater Atlanta Christian grad Whitney McCray of Georgia Tech teamed up with Kristi Miller to reach the finals of last week's ITA All-American Championships in Pacific Palisades CA. The duo, seeded third, lost in the finals 7-5, 6-3 to Tennessee's Caitlin Whoriskey and Zsofia Zubor. [Oct. 13 Gwinnett Daily Post]
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HIGHLIGHTS OF DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Drama teacher Clif Jones with cast & crew of one-act play
[Photo by Glenn Martin]
The following students, who are cast members of the one-act play Anatomy of Gray, will be representing GACS at the Georgia Theatre Conference this Thursday, October 18 through Sunday, October 21. Please encourage this talented cast as you see them this week: Andrew Caudill, Tracy Davis, Lauren Lindsley, Kyle Nichols, Sarah Waller, Blake Harper, Elizabeth Burson, Lauren Cherry, Michael Ray, Matthew Edwards, Gavin Carden, and Nicole Baker.
SCREAM-FREE PARENTING!#%&*
The PTO General Membership Meeting will be Thursday, October 25. Hal Runkel will be a guest speaker at the meeting in the Clif Jones Theatre. The schedule will be 8:15-8:30 PTO General Membership Meeting-State of the PTO and 8:30-9:30 Hal Runkel will speak.
RENEWAL
The magazine sale reward day will be at the end of the Christmas holidays.
The in-service day has been moved from Thursday, January 3, to Friday, January 4.
Students will now return to classes for the second semester on Monday, January 7.
ALWAYS LOW PRICES
Get the monthly 'e-Parent Connection' or 'Daily Announcements' delivered to your email box. Go to this link and sign-up: http://greateratlantachristian.org/cr/epc/8-18-06/Subscribe.html
PRESS CREDENTIALS
Read GACS press releases at http://greateratlantachristian.org/cr/PressReleases.htm
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2007-08 SCHOOL CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS
See the complete school calendar at
http://63.243.64.130:84/default/d01/08/2007?display=M&style=B&positioning=A
November 5 Teacher/Professional Day (GISA Conference)
November 21-23 Thanksgiving holidays
December 19-21 JH/SH Final Exams (Noon Dismissal K-12)
December 24 – Jan. 4 Christmas holidays
January 7 Classes resume for second semester
January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (Campus Closed)
January 24-27 Homecoming – GAC 40th Anniversary Celebrations
February 15-19 Winter Break
March 21 Teacher/Professional Day (Good Friday)
April 4 Grandparents’ Day
April 7-11 Spring Break
April 25 Teacher/Professional Day (Jr/Sr Banquet)
May 20-22 JH/SH Final Exams (Noon Dismissal K-12)
May 22 Last Day of Classes
May 22 Senior High Commencement
FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY: A YEAR LONG CELEBRATION
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LEGACY….Learn it, Live it, Leave it
[reprinted from GACS MAGAZINE / Summer 207]
November 20 - All school Thanksgiving Chapel
January 7-11, 2008 - Spiritual Emphasis Week
January 24-25, 27, 2008 - Homecoming musical
BIG RIVER: THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN,
with alumni and student cast; Music and lyrics by Roger Miller
January 26, 2008
2:00pm Alumni Reception;
3:00pm Homecoming Ceremony;
4:00pm Varsity basketball games;
7:30pm Alumni class reunions at Student-Family Center
May 2, 2008 - Celebration Dinner
May 8, 2008 - Closing ceremony of the 40th Year
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PHOTO GALLERY
