Sports

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FCA looks toward full slate of events

Isaiah Smith
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Last year, COVID-19 disrupted many different organizations and events, and Habersham County’s branch of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) was no different.  “FCA is so much about being social and relational to work with coaches and others.
Demorest native Rob Hamby has been mowing down hitters this year. At GGC, he recorded 25 strikeouts for the Grizzlies who won the NAIA World Series. And this summer as a member of the Gainesville Braves, the hurler is second in the Sunbelt Baseball League with a 0.87 ERA and ranks in the top 20 in strikeouts. DALE LONG/Special

Demorest native Rob Hamby has been mowing down hitters this year. At GGC, he recorded 25 strikeouts for the Grizzlies who won the NAIA World Series. And this summer as a member of the Gainesville Braves, the hurler is second in the Sunbelt Baseball League with a 0.87 ERA and ranks in the top 20 in strikeouts. DALE LONG/Special

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Hamby shutting down hitters in summer league

Isaiah Smith
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
When Demorest native Rob Hamby takes the field, having Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) “Grizzlies” mascot scribbled across his chest only feels appropriate for the bear of a man on the mound.  Standing at 6-foot-7 with a full beard and his hat low, Hamby looks like he means business.
The 1952 South Habersham Rebels finished the season 7-3 with the highlight of their season coming with a 20-7 win over top-ranked Thomson. Team members were (front) Bobby Hamby, John Foster, Donald Caudell, A.R. Scroggs, John Scott, Roger Burch, James Loudermilk, (back) W.C. Loudermilk, Sonny Cheek, Ted Smith and Sammie Cunningham.

The 1952 South Habersham Rebels finished the season 7-3 with the highlight of their season coming with a 20-7 win over top-ranked Thomson. Team members were (front) Bobby Hamby, John Foster, Donald Caudell, A.R. Scroggs, John Scott, Roger Burch, James Loudermilk, (back) W.C. Loudermilk, Sonny Cheek, Ted Smith and Sammie Cunningham.

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Cornelia, South Habersham had some tough ball clubs back in the day

Isaiah Smith
Friday, July 9, 2021
When many athletes look back on their former playing days, embellishment of one’s accomplishments is often what ensues. However, that’s not the case for John Foster and Ted Smith – that’s not their style.
Habersham County School System’s three-person grounds crew is responsible for maintaining its athletic fields throughout the year.

Habersham County School System’s three-person grounds crew is responsible for maintaining its athletic fields throughout the year.

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Maintaining excellence starts with the fields

Isaiah Smith
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
No matter what time of year you drop by any of the Habersham County School System’s athletic fields, and each one takes on a green, manicured look as if it’s set in a Hollywood movie.
McKenzie Coan of Clarkesville will compete in her third Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan beginning Aug. 24.

McKenzie Coan of Clarkesville will compete in her third Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan beginning Aug. 24.

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Coan returns to Paralympics for a third time

News Staff
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
McKenzie Coan of Clarkesville is headed to the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.    This will be her third trip to the Paralympic Games as part of Team USA.    Coan and 33 other members of the team were named Sunday after national qualifying was held in Minnesota.
Tallulah Falls’ Scott Neal was named Athletic Director of the Year for Region 8-A Private by the Georgia Athletic Director’s Association. RANDY CRUMP/ Submitted

Tallulah Falls’ Scott Neal was named Athletic Director of the Year for Region 8-A Private by the Georgia Athletic Director’s Association. RANDY CRUMP/ Submitted

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TFS earns sportsmanship award, Neal picked as AD of the Year

News Staff
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Georgia High School Association recently named Tallulah Falls School winners of the GHSA/Georgia’s Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMC) Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award for the 2020-21 school year. This marks the second-consecutive year TFS has won the award.
The Velo Factory’s 13U travel baseball team won the 2021 Perfect Game World Series Championship last week. The team competed at the Majors Level, which is the highest possible. Team members are (from left) Kenny Foudy, coach Tate Gailey, Kreed Barrett, coach Chris Chitwood, Maverick Chitwood, Kaleb Sexton, Cash Unruh, Lane Haney, Ty Kemp, Philip Williams, Blayne Gunter, Hudson Gailey, Marcus Sims and coach Joe Kemp. CHRIS CHITWOOD/Submitted

The Velo Factory’s 13U travel baseball team won the 2021 Perfect Game World Series Championship last week. The team competed at the Majors Level, which is the highest possible. Team members are (from left) Kenny Foudy, coach Tate Gailey, Kreed Barrett, coach Chris Chitwood, Maverick Chitwood, Kaleb Sexton, Cash Unruh, Lane Haney, Ty Kemp, Philip Williams, Blayne Gunter, Hudson Gailey, Marcus Sims and coach Joe Kemp. CHRIS CHITWOOD/Submitted

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Velo Factory closes out strong year

Isaiah Smith
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Over the past year, the Velo Factory’s travel baseball and softball teams have found a lot of success on a regional and national stage.  Last weekend, the 13U baseball team closed out its season with a Perfect Game (PG) World Series Championship in Nashville.
Piedmont’s Carter Ballstadt stands at the plate during a game earlier this season. KARL MOORE/Special

Piedmont’s Carter Ballstadt stands at the plate during a game earlier this season. KARL MOORE/Special

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Ballstadt earns Gold Glove award

News Staff
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Though Piedmont’s baseball season has ended, the awards keep rolling in for Lions’ players. Wednesday, the school announced Carter Ballstadt was named a recipient of a 2021 ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award. He was one of three outfielders selected to receive the award across all of Division III.
Piedmont rising junior Peyton Irvin has caught the eye of many in the sport as an emerging prospect. KARL MOORE/Special

Piedmont rising junior Peyton Irvin has caught the eye of many in the sport as an emerging prospect. KARL MOORE/Special

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Irvin chopping wood this summer

Isaiah Smith
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
As one of Georgia’s best kept summertime secrets, the Sunbelt Baseball League hosts a bevy of collegiate baseball talent from all levels across the country to compete over seven weeks.