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December 2010
Allatoona Softball: It’s Our Time
by Jordan Fox
Over the past three years, coach Troy Pirkle has worked diligently to build a solid softball team for Allatoona High School. Coming into a new school, Pirkle was challenged with not only starting a team but starting traditions and building a program that would exist forever at Allatoona. With previous coaching experience and an awesome group of girls, he was confident this venture would be a success.
In the program’s first two years, two players were named All-State Honorable Mention, one player was named First Team All-County, one player was named Second Team All-County, six players were named All-County Honorable Mention and four players were named First Team All-Region. In their inaugural season, the Bucs finished with a winning record of 16-15. This was unacceptable to the players. Though having a winning record as a first-year school is impressive, they wanted more.
In their second season, they would make strides toward the excellence that they expected of themselves. With a final record of 23-5, the team had improved vastly and exceeded the expectations of many. But their record did not satisfy the Bucs’ fierce desire to make a name for themselves. Senior Megan Nesbit describes their determination: “We were all focused on Columbus. Everyone told us we had the talent and should be playing in that tournament. We were successful in our second season and got ahead of ourselves in region, causing us to lose. This year, the seniors got together and decided that this was not going to happen again.”
The senior girls followed through on their promise by leading their team through an unforgettable season. Their strategy involved taking the season step by step, making every game, every inning and every pitch count. They worked harder than ever and came together as a team to overcome various obstacles. Senior Kaitlin Chumley attributes the success of this season to team unity. “Our team chemistry was so strong this year,” Chumley says. “Everyone got along well with each other. Winning is much more rewarding when you get to share it with your friends.”
Whether the success of the team was caused by having fun, having a game plan or a little bit of both, it made for a great season. Placing third in a new, more challenging region boosted the morale of the team to new heights. The girls wanted a state title more than ever. Once they made it to Columbus, the Bucs were unstoppable. They defeated two teams ranked above them and advanced to the Elite Eight. The Buccaneers fought through their games and ultimately played in the finals, where they suffered a tough loss, 12-11.
Though their last game may have been slightly disappointing, the 2010 fastpitch varsity girls made school history. Chumley describes the bittersweet win: “Getting second in state this year was a huge accomplishment, even though it was a little tough for me, being a senior. I would have loved to finish out with a state title. I’m still so proud of how far we’ve come. We were state champs in my mind all year long. Coach Pirkle says that the hardest part of the season was trying to bounce back from a disappointing region tournament. A huge weight was lifted off our shoulders when we won the first round series. After that, we were able to relax and start playing our best softball in the program’s history.”
Pirkle and his team are in agreement that defeating Oconee County two of three games was one of the season’s biggest accomplishments. Pirkle believes that this group of girls has set the standard for what is to come. “Our program will now be expected not only to make the playoffs but to win in the playoffs and advance,” he says.
This year’s Allatoona softball team had its first group of seniors. The four of them have memories they will never forget and a solid foundation has been set for seasons to come. “The highlight of my senior season was definitely being able to play with such an awesome group of girls,” says Megan Nesbit. “This year, we really came together as a team. Playing with these girls has been such an honor and is something I will cherish for a lifetime. This team gave the season everything it had and I’m so grateful that I was able to be a part of it. It was a great season to be a Buc!”
by Jordan Fox
Over the past three years, coach Troy Pirkle has worked diligently to build a solid softball team for Allatoona High School. Coming into a new school, Pirkle was challenged with not only starting a team but starting traditions and building a program that would exist forever at Allatoona. With previous coaching experience and an awesome group of girls, he was confident this venture would be a success.In the program’s first two years, two players were named All-State Honorable Mention, one player was named First Team All-County, one player was named Second Team All-County, six players were named All-County Honorable Mention and four players were named First Team All-Region. In their inaugural season, the Bucs finished with a winning record of 16-15. This was unacceptable to the players. Though having a winning record as a first-year school is impressive, they wanted more.
In their second season, they would make strides toward the excellence that they expected of themselves. With a final record of 23-5, the team had improved vastly and exceeded the expectations of many. But their record did not satisfy the Bucs’ fierce desire to make a name for themselves. Senior Megan Nesbit describes their determination: “We were all focused on Columbus. Everyone told us we had the talent and should be playing in that tournament. We were successful in our second season and got ahead of ourselves in region, causing us to lose. This year, the seniors got together and decided that this was not going to happen again.”
The senior girls followed through on their promise by leading their team through an unforgettable season. Their strategy involved taking the season step by step, making every game, every inning and every pitch count. They worked harder than ever and came together as a team to overcome various obstacles. Senior Kaitlin Chumley attributes the success of this season to team unity. “Our team chemistry was so strong this year,” Chumley says. “Everyone got along well with each other. Winning is much more rewarding when you get to share it with your friends.”Whether the success of the team was caused by having fun, having a game plan or a little bit of both, it made for a great season. Placing third in a new, more challenging region boosted the morale of the team to new heights. The girls wanted a state title more than ever. Once they made it to Columbus, the Bucs were unstoppable. They defeated two teams ranked above them and advanced to the Elite Eight. The Buccaneers fought through their games and ultimately played in the finals, where they suffered a tough loss, 12-11.
Though their last game may have been slightly disappointing, the 2010 fastpitch varsity girls made school history. Chumley describes the bittersweet win: “Getting second in state this year was a huge accomplishment, even though it was a little tough for me, being a senior. I would have loved to finish out with a state title. I’m still so proud of how far we’ve come. We were state champs in my mind all year long. Coach Pirkle says that the hardest part of the season was trying to bounce back from a disappointing region tournament. A huge weight was lifted off our shoulders when we won the first round series. After that, we were able to relax and start playing our best softball in the program’s history.”
Pirkle and his team are in agreement that defeating Oconee County two of three games was one of the season’s biggest accomplishments. Pirkle believes that this group of girls has set the standard for what is to come. “Our program will now be expected not only to make the playoffs but to win in the playoffs and advance,” he says.
This year’s Allatoona softball team had its first group of seniors. The four of them have memories they will never forget and a solid foundation has been set for seasons to come. “The highlight of my senior season was definitely being able to play with such an awesome group of girls,” says Megan Nesbit. “This year, we really came together as a team. Playing with these girls has been such an honor and is something I will cherish for a lifetime. This team gave the season everything it had and I’m so grateful that I was able to be a part of it. It was a great season to be a Buc!”
November 2010
Bucs Tip Off a Third Season
by Jordan Fox • photography by Jordan Fox
As the seasons change, so do the faces. Tryouts for the Allatoona boys varsity basketball team are rigorous and grueling, lasting a full week with multiple cuts taking place. Not only are tryouts physically draining, they are mentally exhausting. Coach Markus Hood says his intention is not to intimidate potential players but rather to prepare them. Veterans and beginners are equally welcome and compete on a level playing field. Describing tryouts from a veteran standpoint, third-year starter Clate Schmidt says, “Basically they’re trying to see who has been working and who has not been working during the offseason.” At the end of their weeklong trial, the boys will know if they have what it takes to be a Buccaneer.
For the select few who earn the privilege of playing for Allatoona, a few things will differ from last season. The veterans have had many experiences and formed a much tighter bond, giving them the ability to be effective leaders. Dimychael Ross and Cameron Baerman say that playing together last season gave them all a chance to get to know each other better as people and as players. They know each player’s strengths and blend them together to form a cohesive, successful team. Practice is a vital part of a successful season. Since the first day of school, boys interested in becoming part of the team have had the opportunity to work out before class three days a week. “Every single person who has been doing morning workouts has been putting forth their best effort,” says Schmidt. “Another change for the team this year is that each person is working hard to better themselves, ultimately ending in the benefit of the team.”
Playing a challenging schedule, the Bucs have a lot to prove in their 2010-2011 season. Taking on renowned and established schools such as Harrison and East Paulding, Allatoona will have to fight hard for their wins. With Allatoona being an underdog, their games will test the growth of the team since last season. Schmidt and Dylan Nsiah don’t show any signs of nervousness about playing such big schools. “I can’t wait to play Harrison and Kennesaw Mountain because before Allatoona was built, I played for their teams. All of my old teammates are on those teams, so it will motivate me to push myself and my team to our limits,” Schmidt says. “I feel like no matter who we play, we should take all the games on and approach them with the same mindset. But when we win those specific games, it will definitely bring Allatoona’s basketball team up in the ranks and give people something to talk about.”
A good playoff run is the least of the expectations set before the Bucs as they begin a new season. Last year, they were one game away from making it to state. This year, they intend to surpass that game by a long shot. Hopefully, their experience and cohesiveness will aid them in making it to the state championship.
by Jordan Fox • photography by Jordan Fox
As the seasons change, so do the faces. Tryouts for the Allatoona boys varsity basketball team are rigorous and grueling, lasting a full week with multiple cuts taking place. Not only are tryouts physically draining, they are mentally exhausting. Coach Markus Hood says his intention is not to intimidate potential players but rather to prepare them. Veterans and beginners are equally welcome and compete on a level playing field. Describing tryouts from a veteran standpoint, third-year starter Clate Schmidt says, “Basically they’re trying to see who has been working and who has not been working during the offseason.” At the end of their weeklong trial, the boys will know if they have what it takes to be a Buccaneer.For the select few who earn the privilege of playing for Allatoona, a few things will differ from last season. The veterans have had many experiences and formed a much tighter bond, giving them the ability to be effective leaders. Dimychael Ross and Cameron Baerman say that playing together last season gave them all a chance to get to know each other better as people and as players. They know each player’s strengths and blend them together to form a cohesive, successful team. Practice is a vital part of a successful season. Since the first day of school, boys interested in becoming part of the team have had the opportunity to work out before class three days a week. “Every single person who has been doing morning workouts has been putting forth their best effort,” says Schmidt. “Another change for the team this year is that each person is working hard to better themselves, ultimately ending in the benefit of the team.”
Playing a challenging schedule, the Bucs have a lot to prove in their 2010-2011 season. Taking on renowned and established schools such as Harrison and East Paulding, Allatoona will have to fight hard for their wins. With Allatoona being an underdog, their games will test the growth of the team since last season. Schmidt and Dylan Nsiah don’t show any signs of nervousness about playing such big schools. “I can’t wait to play Harrison and Kennesaw Mountain because before Allatoona was built, I played for their teams. All of my old teammates are on those teams, so it will motivate me to push myself and my team to our limits,” Schmidt says. “I feel like no matter who we play, we should take all the games on and approach them with the same mindset. But when we win those specific games, it will definitely bring Allatoona’s basketball team up in the ranks and give people something to talk about.”
A good playoff run is the least of the expectations set before the Bucs as they begin a new season. Last year, they were one game away from making it to state. This year, they intend to surpass that game by a long shot. Hopefully, their experience and cohesiveness will aid them in making it to the state championship.
October 2010
Third Time’s A Charm
by Jordan Fox
Heading into Allatoona’s third football season and first year of playoff eligibility, no one knew what to expect. As the season progresses, the expectations of fans, coaches and players are steadily rising with the team’s success. Playing a full varsity schedule for the first time, the Buccaneers are approaching the 2010 season with enthusiasm and caution.
“A win is a win” is a saying applicable to many situations, but in the case of Allatoona’s first three games, the phrase has no relevance. Their current 3-0 record has been inspiring and has boosted the morale of the entire school.
David versus Goliath is the more appropriate analogy when a team enters a game as a long shot underdog. With Allatoona playing the role of the little guy and Kennesaw Mountain on the opposite end of the spectrum, everyone expected the “inevitable” outcome on August 27. Instead, shock and awe radiated through Mustang Stadium. The three-year-old Buccaneers played their season opener against the Mustangs, a more established football program. Winning 24-22 in an exhilarating and nerve-wracking game, the Bucs set the bar for future wins and gave the Allatoona student body faith in their team.
In their second game, Allatoona faced the Ridgeland Panthers, two-time defending Region 7-AAA champions. With their opponents ranked 10th in the state, the Buccaneers were challenged with fierce competition. In the last quarter, the game was tied at 14 points. With eight minutes left, Brett Welborn kicked a 33-yard field goal that gave Allatoona a winning three-point lead. After the Bucs’ victory over Ridgeland, Coach Varner commented to the Marietta Daily Journal, “I think this win put us in a position where we belong with the rest of the guys in this region. It’s early, but we have to believe we have a shot.”
The following week, Allatoona defeated Southeast Whitfield at home. Junior running back Miles Jones was the driving force in the Bucs’ overwhelming victory against the Raiders, scoring 30 of Allatoona’s 55 points. Crediting the team as a whole for the win, Jones says, “It’s taken almost three years, but the team has finally come together as one big family.” Wide receiver Jordan Holder adds, “This year we are a team, a family, and we’re fighting for our wins not only for our own benefit, but for the benefit of our fans, our coaches and our school.”
These prodigious victories have been shocking to fans and critics. Jones explains the team’s success: “I expected and still expect a good year for our team. I knew our offensive line had worked very hard in the offseason and that they were ready for some smash-mouth football. Our defense was looking really strong all summer and we all knew they had the talent to make some big plays. To me, it’s not sudden success. We’ve worked extremely hard all summer long and for the last two years, and now it’s paying off. We’re finally playing real varsity football.”
Sharing his theory, junior Bryson Brindle says, “I think that this year we learned that in order to be successful in games, we have to practice as if we were playing in an actual game. To improve, we had to play as hard during practice as we would on a Friday night in front of a crowd. As long as we continue to work hard, I think we’ll have our best season yet.”
The team appears to thrive on two concepts: work hard and play harder. The opportunity of competing in the playoffs has driven the boys to come together and work toward a common goal. As the saying goes, success doesn’t come easy, and the Buccaneers are willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The players’ predictions for the remaining season are unified: we will make the playoffs.
Giving his take on the current standings, senior and three-year starter Dalton Brumfield says, “The team is doing a great job at practice and an even better job at games. If we keep up how we are doing, I expect to go to the playoffs and finish with a great record.”
Coach Varner elaborates, “As a team we have sweat, bled and played hard all summer long. This year, we are physically stronger, mentally more focused, and our offense and defense understand each other. Faster, stronger, better!”
by Jordan Fox
Heading into Allatoona’s third football season and first year of playoff eligibility, no one knew what to expect. As the season progresses, the expectations of fans, coaches and players are steadily rising with the team’s success. Playing a full varsity schedule for the first time, the Buccaneers are approaching the 2010 season with enthusiasm and caution. “A win is a win” is a saying applicable to many situations, but in the case of Allatoona’s first three games, the phrase has no relevance. Their current 3-0 record has been inspiring and has boosted the morale of the entire school.
David versus Goliath is the more appropriate analogy when a team enters a game as a long shot underdog. With Allatoona playing the role of the little guy and Kennesaw Mountain on the opposite end of the spectrum, everyone expected the “inevitable” outcome on August 27. Instead, shock and awe radiated through Mustang Stadium. The three-year-old Buccaneers played their season opener against the Mustangs, a more established football program. Winning 24-22 in an exhilarating and nerve-wracking game, the Bucs set the bar for future wins and gave the Allatoona student body faith in their team.
In their second game, Allatoona faced the Ridgeland Panthers, two-time defending Region 7-AAA champions. With their opponents ranked 10th in the state, the Buccaneers were challenged with fierce competition. In the last quarter, the game was tied at 14 points. With eight minutes left, Brett Welborn kicked a 33-yard field goal that gave Allatoona a winning three-point lead. After the Bucs’ victory over Ridgeland, Coach Varner commented to the Marietta Daily Journal, “I think this win put us in a position where we belong with the rest of the guys in this region. It’s early, but we have to believe we have a shot.”
The following week, Allatoona defeated Southeast Whitfield at home. Junior running back Miles Jones was the driving force in the Bucs’ overwhelming victory against the Raiders, scoring 30 of Allatoona’s 55 points. Crediting the team as a whole for the win, Jones says, “It’s taken almost three years, but the team has finally come together as one big family.” Wide receiver Jordan Holder adds, “This year we are a team, a family, and we’re fighting for our wins not only for our own benefit, but for the benefit of our fans, our coaches and our school.”
These prodigious victories have been shocking to fans and critics. Jones explains the team’s success: “I expected and still expect a good year for our team. I knew our offensive line had worked very hard in the offseason and that they were ready for some smash-mouth football. Our defense was looking really strong all summer and we all knew they had the talent to make some big plays. To me, it’s not sudden success. We’ve worked extremely hard all summer long and for the last two years, and now it’s paying off. We’re finally playing real varsity football.”
Sharing his theory, junior Bryson Brindle says, “I think that this year we learned that in order to be successful in games, we have to practice as if we were playing in an actual game. To improve, we had to play as hard during practice as we would on a Friday night in front of a crowd. As long as we continue to work hard, I think we’ll have our best season yet.”
The team appears to thrive on two concepts: work hard and play harder. The opportunity of competing in the playoffs has driven the boys to come together and work toward a common goal. As the saying goes, success doesn’t come easy, and the Buccaneers are willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen. The players’ predictions for the remaining season are unified: we will make the playoffs.
Giving his take on the current standings, senior and three-year starter Dalton Brumfield says, “The team is doing a great job at practice and an even better job at games. If we keep up how we are doing, I expect to go to the playoffs and finish with a great record.”
Coach Varner elaborates, “As a team we have sweat, bled and played hard all summer long. This year, we are physically stronger, mentally more focused, and our offense and defense understand each other. Faster, stronger, better!”
September 2010
Nothing “Soft” About It
by Jordan Fox
For the 2010 season, the Allatoona fastpitch softball program welcomes its first graduating class. This year the Bucs will be led by seniors Kaitlin Chumley, Megan Nesbit, Caitlin O’Shea and Lyndsey York. After falling short of reaching the state playoffs their sophomore and junior years, the pressure is on and the girls are motivated to leave a lasting legacy. Their priority is to finish among the region’s top four teams, which would qualify the Bucs for state.
As part of a new, demanding region, Allatoona will have to battle state powers Heritage and Ridgeland in order to reach their goal. The Bucs are returning with a “potent offense” according to head coach Troy Pirkle, and they fully intend to dominate opponents by giving their all in every game.
In their first season, the team adopted this motto: “Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all. Which one are you?” Their motto is applicable this season, more than ever.
Coach Pirkle says the offensive lineup has dramatically improved since last year. Allatoona’s batting lineup consists of All-County leadoff hitter and All-Region team member Kara Chambers, and their defense includes All-County pitcher and All-Region team member Caitlin O’Shea. The girls are more than equipped to bring home a region championship.
Opening the season with a 7-2 win against Central Gwinnett, the Bucs are setting a precedent. The outlook for the 2010 season is bright, and hopefully the seniors will bring their high school fastpitch careers to a close with a state playoff run.
by Jordan Fox
For the 2010 season, the Allatoona fastpitch softball program welcomes its first graduating class. This year the Bucs will be led by seniors Kaitlin Chumley, Megan Nesbit, Caitlin O’Shea and Lyndsey York. After falling short of reaching the state playoffs their sophomore and junior years, the pressure is on and the girls are motivated to leave a lasting legacy. Their priority is to finish among the region’s top four teams, which would qualify the Bucs for state. As part of a new, demanding region, Allatoona will have to battle state powers Heritage and Ridgeland in order to reach their goal. The Bucs are returning with a “potent offense” according to head coach Troy Pirkle, and they fully intend to dominate opponents by giving their all in every game.
In their first season, the team adopted this motto: “Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all. Which one are you?” Their motto is applicable this season, more than ever.
Coach Pirkle says the offensive lineup has dramatically improved since last year. Allatoona’s batting lineup consists of All-County leadoff hitter and All-Region team member Kara Chambers, and their defense includes All-County pitcher and All-Region team member Caitlin O’Shea. The girls are more than equipped to bring home a region championship.
Opening the season with a 7-2 win against Central Gwinnett, the Bucs are setting a precedent. The outlook for the 2010 season is bright, and hopefully the seniors will bring their high school fastpitch careers to a close with a state playoff run.
Bump, Set, Spike It - That’s The Way We Like It!
by Jordan Fox
Allatoona’s varsity volleyball team is younger than ever this year. With seven underclassmen and no seniors, success may seem far-fetched; however, the Bucs made it to the first round of the state tournament two years in a row. This year, head coach Amie Howard expects her team to go even further.
The team makes a fierce comeback with four reliable returning starters: outside hitter Yomi Adeyeye, right-side hitter Brianna Nation, setter Xandy Green and middle hitter Dessaa Lagros. Last year, Adeyeye and Green played on the All-Area team as sophomores, a commendable accomplishment. This season, Adeyeye’s younger sister Debra will be joining her on the court, playing middle.
Competing in a new area against Cartersville, Cedartown, Haralson County and Central Carrolton, the team’s proficiency will be put to the test. Could the move into a more challenging class of competition affect the mentality of the team as a whole? Will the players step it up and accomplish their goals of making it one step closer to a state championship or will the change of pace throw them off?
Coach Howard states that competing in the new area will work to their advantage this year, as they will be able to schedule different teams during the year and gear up for important matches. Like Allatoona fans, she has high expectations for her players.
“The team has potential to be very good if they play together, continue to work hard and have fun with what they do,” says Howard.
by Jordan Fox
Allatoona’s varsity volleyball team is younger than ever this year. With seven underclassmen and no seniors, success may seem far-fetched; however, the Bucs made it to the first round of the state tournament two years in a row. This year, head coach Amie Howard expects her team to go even further. The team makes a fierce comeback with four reliable returning starters: outside hitter Yomi Adeyeye, right-side hitter Brianna Nation, setter Xandy Green and middle hitter Dessaa Lagros. Last year, Adeyeye and Green played on the All-Area team as sophomores, a commendable accomplishment. This season, Adeyeye’s younger sister Debra will be joining her on the court, playing middle.
Competing in a new area against Cartersville, Cedartown, Haralson County and Central Carrolton, the team’s proficiency will be put to the test. Could the move into a more challenging class of competition affect the mentality of the team as a whole? Will the players step it up and accomplish their goals of making it one step closer to a state championship or will the change of pace throw them off?
Coach Howard states that competing in the new area will work to their advantage this year, as they will be able to schedule different teams during the year and gear up for important matches. Like Allatoona fans, she has high expectations for her players.
“The team has potential to be very good if they play together, continue to work hard and have fun with what they do,” says Howard.
All photography submitted by Allatoona High School
