Page 11 THE TOWNS COUNTY HERALD July 8, 2015 Towns County Sports Towns County’s Leader In Sports www.townscountyherald.net • E-mail: [email protected] Towns County’s summer league softball kicks into high gear By Shawn Jarrard four, maybe even 10 years, who Towns County Herald knows, but that’s our main goal, Staff Writer to be able to compete with some of these that are already estab- Last week was a Dead lished teams.” Week for the Georgia High Looking ahead, the goal School Association, dur- for this coming season is to ing which no sports activities improve upon what he and his could be held at Towns County Lady Indians have already been Schools, but the Lady Indians able to achieve together. began summer practice the week “Obviously, we want to before at Lowell Nicholson get better,” said Coach Rowland. Softball Field. “I’ve got to get the pitching staff Practices resumed this that I have, I’ve got to work with week. them. We’ve got them going to “We’ve only had two a couple of different pitching practices so far,” said Head coaches to get extra practice Coach Brandon Rowland. “As after practice. I think they go far as where we were at this one or two nights a week to do point last year, I’d say defen- that. So, definitely building the sively, we’re doing really, re- pitching.” ally good. We’ve got two young Shannon Moss assistant pitchers that are coming up, but coached the team last year, but that’s what happens when you has moved on to new responsi- graduate your two only pitchers bilities as assistant principal of the year before.” the elementary school, so player Five starting seniors grad- The Towns County Lady Indians will see action next Tuesday vs Union County and White County in Blairsville. These games prepare the Lady Zandra Churchill’s father, Barry, uated in May, so a host of new Indians for the early start that softball faces every July and August. Photos/Lowell Nicholson and Todd Forrest will be stepping into that posi- leadership will be taking the field seniors have had a coach back Coach Rowland special- to stick with it. Towns County softball history. tion as a community coach. when school starts back up. to back consecutive years,” said izes in building strong bonds “So, we have a good time “I knew we were going “He’s been working with “It really hurts, but at the Coach Rowland. “It’s changed with his students and athletes, at practice. We stay serious and to do good things,” said Coach my hitters,” said Coach Row- same time, we’ve got girls that up here, and that’s for the good. and those relationships and his get the fundamentals down, but Rowland. “We’re in a tough, land. “We’ve also got another come in, and I almost think that, I don’t plan on leaving anytime leadership style are apparent on it’s a good, nurturing situation. I tough region with the private guy that some of the ladies go defense wise in the field, we’re soon. I love it up here, and I look the field. think the girls have a good time schools and all. Most of the to for extra hitting lessons. The a lot better off at this point than forward to building a program “My No. 1 goal is for and still get done what they need private schools have already good thing is, all the girls are we were last year,” said Coach up here. everybody to have a good time,” to get done.” established great programs, and hungry for it and they knew Rowland. “In the past, they’ve had said Coach Rowland. “Yes, the Last year, Coach Row- that’s what we’re looking to- that we had a good season last In years past, it has been different people come in with discipline and all, that’s there. land’s goal for the Lady Indians ward, to being able to compete. year. They’re wanting to put in difficult for the girls to get used different opinions of softball, But at the same time, if the girls was to achieve at least seven With having a coach come in the extra time after practice to to a particular coaching style, as and they’ve never really have are not having fun doing what wins to tie their previous win who is willing to stay long term get better themselves, and that’s coaches have come and gone. somebody concrete to keep they’re doing – my thing is, if record – a goal that the girls and who looks to build, I think something you can’t coach – that “I think this year is the a program going in the same you’re not having fun doing it, exceeded with nine wins to have we’ll reach that goal. all comes from within.” first year in seven years that the direction.” then you’re probably not going the most winningest season in “It may take us three, Towns County youth football and TCHS work together at upcoming camp By Shawn Jarrard keep at the end of the season, 8-year-olds; Mites are 9 and greatness. Towns County Herald and a trophy at the end-of-year 10-year-olds; and Midgets are “I’m ready,” said Direc- Staff Writer banquet. 11 and 12-year-olds. tor Smith. “I’ve got all my Again, in order to be This year will be Direc- equipment, got all everything Towns County Youth accepted on one of the teams, tor Smith’s 19th year directing ready to go. I just need more Football Camp will take place parents will need to provide the Towns County program, kids to get out here and get Saturday, July 11, from 8 a.m. a copy of their child’s birth as well as the county’s second signed up, and let’s have a until noon at the Towns County certificate at the time of signup, year in the Smoky Mountain good season. I feel good about High School practice football along with the $90. Conference. this season all around. I think field. Kids who played last As always, Director we’ll have good teams.” The camp will offer a year will not need to provide Smith would like to thank Youth football kicks off unique opportunity for varsity copies of their birth certificates Towns County Sole Com- its regular season on Saturday, Indians and Head Coach Billy at signup. missioner Bill Kendall for his Aug. 15, when the Franklin Barnhart to interact with youth Teams are broken down support in the program, and Panthers head over from North football players, as many from into categories according he would also like everyone Carolina to play at Towns the high school team will come to age: Pee Wees are 5 and to know that he and his teams County. out to support the camp. 6-year-olds; Termites are 7 and are geared up for gridiron “I want to thank the varsity kids, for sure,” said Towns County Youth Football League Director Jimmy Smith. NASCAR 2015 “It makes me feel good when By Gerald Hodges/the Racing Reporter I see them up there during the camp. These kids, I did the TC Head Coach Billy Barnhart and (R) TCYFL Director Jimmy Smith Earnhardt wins at Daytona same thing for the players that Signups have turned out hitting or anything like that, DAYTONA BEACH, Kurt Busch-508, 9. Kenseth-501, are in high school now, and above average numbers so far, as the first week is condition Fla.—Dale Earnhardt Jr. won Sun- 10. Gordon-500. they remember this, and they and kids and parents are wel- only. We’ll just be in shorts day’s rain-delayed Sprint Cup race AUSTIN DILLON still thank me for it.” come to attend the camp, even and tennis shoes, just mainly that didn’t end until nearly 3 am on PERSEVERES FOR Director Smith also if they’re still thinking about going over drills and things Monday morning. XFINITY WIN thanked Coach Barnhart in whether or not to sign up. like that. We’re going to have While there have been Austin Dillon won Saturday advance for his participation “I’m always excited a good time with it.” many wild finishes at Daytona, this night’s Xfinity race by avoiding a this upcoming Saturday. about the camp, just how the Following camp, ath- was one of the most dramatic. late accident, and then surviving a First, a spin by Sam Hor- green-white-checkered finish. “He’s going to even fur- kids come out and see it,” said letes and parents alike will be nish with six laps to go set up a “This is Daytona, man,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. winner of nish the water for us,” said Director Smith. “Normally, treated to snow cones, which green-white-checkered finish. On Dillon said. “There are so many Daytona Cup race. Director Smith. “He’s a very that’s when a lot of kids come will be a great way to finish the restart, Earnhardt was able to family memories here. … I’m just flag, and issued a statement trying good man, and I appreciate out and see if they like youth a warm day of drills and run- lead all the way to the finish line. happy for my grandfather (Richard to discourage fans from displaying what he does.” football, and I say 80 percent, ning. As he reached the stripe, all hell Childress). He told me once when it at their tracks. The Daytona track And the youth players maybe even more, they end Interested young athletes broke loose behind him, involving we were here in victory lane with offered to exchange an American couldn’t do what they do with- up getting their mom or dad and their parents can sign up on 15 cars. Dale Earnhardt that you’ll have flag for a Confederate flag. But as out the help of a tremendous to sign them up. They enjoy the day of the camp, and should Austin Dillon, winner of this opportunity one day. It means of Saturday morning, Joie Chit- cheerleading effort. the camp.” bring a copy of their child’s Saturday’s Xfinity Series race was so much to be here.” wood, the track president, said, “The cheerleaders have The camp will certainly birth certificate at signup, as it hit from behind. He went airborne, Elliott Sadler, Chase Elliott, “there had been no takers.” had a good turnout, we don’t be fun, but potential and re- will be provided to the Smoky flying over several other cars, and Kasey Kahne, Benny Gordon, Da- If anyone would take time crashed into the grandstand fence, koda Armstrong, David Ragan, to look around them, they will see need to forget them,” said turning players will have their Mountain Conference as proof knocking a big hole in it. Erik Jones, Harrison Rhodes, and Director Smith. “They’ve got work cut out for them as they all types of non-conformity, bigot- of age. Pieces of his car flew off Ross Chastain were the remaining ry, and other undesirable behavior. a good turnout this season, and learn from Smith, this season’s The camp will be free, into the crowd of fans. Several fans top-10 finishers. It’s always been there. To some, it everything’s looking good for team coaches, and from Coach but a one-time payment of $90 received minor cuts, with six need- Top-10 points leaders af- might be considered unacceptable, them. I’d like to thank their Barnhart and the Indians. will be required at the time of ing additional medical care. ter 15 of33: 1. C. Buescher-560, something to be done away with. coaches for what they do for “They can expect to get signup in order to cover costs When Dillon’s No. 3 car 2. Elliott-526, 3. T. Dillon-517, On a personal level, we can their girls with the cheerlead- in shape – we’re going to do a of playing during the season, came to a stop on the pavement, it 4. Smith-493, 5. Sadler-489, 6. shun what we don’t like, but we ing, and they work very hard lot of running this week,” said including insurance, a game was in two different pieces. The car D. Wallace-472, 7. Scott-453, 8. can only go so far. on what they do.” Director Smith. “We won’t be jersey that kids will get to body, which was now just a shell, Reed-441, 9. Gaughan-438, 10. This is not heaven. It never with Austin in it, was in one spot, Suarez-437. has been, and never will be. MUSA Fall while the motor, transmission and HOW POLITICALLY COR- I don’t know how far 2015 Summer Day Camp running gear were laying about RECT SHOULD NASCAR will take this politi- Summer is just around social game activities, field Registration 100 feet away. NASCAR BE cal correctness in order to appear the corner and that means hot trips, nature hikes and much Mountain United Soccer Miraculously, Dillon was It offends me that NASCAR “squeaky clean”. Appearing to al- weather and Summer Day more. Children need to bring Association’s Fall Registration is unhurt, and waved to the crowd gets offended so easily. ways be the good guy might even- Camp for boys and girls ages a swimsuit, towel, sprayable now open. Age groups from U6 after he was extricated from what It seems like every week tually be their downfall. The sport NASCAR derides someone, a 6 thru 12, the session being sunscreen and sack lunch. to U16. You can register online at remained of his race car. of racing is built on emotions. Take two weeks, running Monday The Recreation Department “That scared the hell out cause, or company because of what away the emotional aspect of it, www.mountainsoccer.org. Reg- of me,” Earnhardt said in victory they consider an incorrect political and you water it down, to where it thru Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 will furnish the ice water for istration forms are also available p.m. Session IV: July 20th thru the campers. lane. “I saw it in the rear view mir- stance. is no longer fit to watch. to print from the website. Forms ror. Things like that have the po- This past week Donald In NASCAR’s defense: July 31st. Registration will be the can be mailed to P.O. Box 1862, tential for real danger. Trump was singled out. The fee for the two week first Monday at The Towns What do you do when a yearly Blairsville, GA 30514. Deadline “This was a great car. It’s Camping World CEO Mar- multi-million dollar sponsor, like session is $120 or $60 per County Recreation and Con- to register is July 18th. the same one we ran at Talladega. cus Lemonis informed NASCAR Camping World, says, “Jump,” week. The fee is payable to ference Center located 150 For additional information, I hope the boss doesn’t put it in the that neither he nor anyone from his NASCAR has no other recourse the Towns County Recreation Foster Park Rd. For more please check our website at: www. barn anytime soon.” company would participate in any than to comply. Department. information please call the event on Trump property, “due to mountainsoccer.org or email us at: In addition to winning the There is a lot of uneasiness Day Camp offers chil- Recreation Department at 706- race, Earnhardt started on the pole blatantly bigoted and racist com- [email protected] in NASCAR right now, as they at- dren sports game activities, 896-2600. T(Jul8,F1)SH and led the most laps (96). ments from Donald Trump in re- tempt to create some type of rac- “That’s just part of our gards to immigrants.” ing-utopia. sport,” said Jimmie Johnson, who The announcement, con- I would enjoy receiving fan Dash to the Vineyards 10k and 5k finished second. “But I’ve never cerning Trump, involved moving comments. Maybe it’s me that has Join us for a race through will experience both downhill ed at 1411 Jack Dayton Circle, seen anything like that, the way the the location of the 2015 NASCAR a blind spot. Contact me at: hodg- the rolling hills of Young Har- and uphill climbs to the fin- Young Harris (directly across car is laying out there, and the en- Camping World and Xfinity Series [email protected], or call me: 251- gine is a long ways off.” post season banquets. 626-4086. ris! The Second Annual Dash ish at Crane Creek Vineyards. the street from the entrance to The series held two of their to the Vineyards 10K & 5K It’s the best time to dash to the The Ridges Resort) or online Denny Hamlin finished Weekend Racing: The third. 2014 banquets at Trump’s National Sprint Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Race presented by Towns vineyards because Crane Creek at www.active.com. Forms are I really didn’t see what hap- Doral Resort in Miami, but after teams are at the 1.5-mile Kentucky County Chamber of Com- in August has the most breath- also available on the Cham- pened,” said Hamlin. “The four-car NASCAR received a letter from Speedway for three night races. merce & Crane Creek Vine- taking views of the year! ber’s website www.mountain- (Kevin Harvick) had me jacked up. Camping World, the decision was Thurs., July 9; Truck Series yards will be held Saturday, Trophies will be award- topga.com. (On the home page He was pushing and I was lucky to made to distance themselves from race10 of 23; Starting time: 7:30 August 22, 2015. ed to 10K runners as follows: click the link for “Things To even finish.” Trump. pm ET; TV: Foxsports1. The 10K race will begin Top overall male and female, Do”.) Entry Fee is $25 before The remaining top-10 driv- “We started talking about Fri., July 10; Xfinity Series at the Brasstown Valley Resort and top male and female fin- 8/07/15 and $30 after. The cost ers: 4. Kevin Harvick, 5. Kurt it earlier this week, and we were race 16 of 33; Starting time: 7; 30 Riding Stables at 8 a.m. and ishers of all age divisions. is the same for both the 10K Busch, 6. Jeff Gordon, 7. Austin evaluating everything,” NASCAR pm ET; TV: NBCS. finish at Crane Creek Vine- Ribbons and commemorative and 5K race. A portion of the Dillon, 8. Ryan Newman, 9. Trev- Spokesman David Higdon said. Sat., July 11; Sprint Cup yards. The 5K will also begin glasses will be given to top 3 proceeds will benefit scholar- or Bayne, 10. Clint Bowyer. “We’ll stick with our plan to an- Series race 18 of 36; Starting time: nounce later this summer where male/female in a variety of age ships for graduating student The race which was sched- 7:30 pm ET; TV: NBCS. at 8 a.m. but these racers will uled for an 8 pm starting time didn’t we will be going. We looked at start and end at the vineyards. groups. athletes. Racing Trivia Question: begin until 11:50 pm Sunday night, obviously everything that we saw Which team owner helped Carl Runners will leave the stables Shuttles will be avail- For more information, because of rain. It officially ended coming down and what we heard Edwards break into NASCAR? and exit the main entrance of able after the race to take 10K call the Towns County Cham- at 2:48 a.m. on Monday morning. from our sponsors and our partners Last Week’s Question: the Resort, run down Hwy. 76 runners back to the Stables. ber of Commerce at (706) Top-10 Chase leaders af- and what we feel we should be do- Where did Jeff Gordon win his to the intersection of Hwy. 66, T-shirts will be guaranteed to 896-4966, or you can email ter 17 of 36: 1. Harvick-656, 2. ing, and that is what led us to the first Cup race? Answer. It was make a right on Hwy. 66 and all who pre-register. Registra- Candace Lee at candacelee@ Earnhardt-593, 3. Johnson-589, 4. decision today.” the 1994 Coca-Cola 600 at Char- continue on to Byers Creek tion is now open at the Towns brmemc.net. T(Jul8,F5)SH Logano-581, 5. Truex-569, 6. Mc- Two weeks ago, the orga- lotte. He also went on to win the Road. From there, competitors County Chamber office locat- Murray-526, 7. Keselowski-520, 8. nization put down the Confederate Inaugural Brickyard 400.