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March 2011
Eagles Hope for Grand Slam Season
by Jacob Mozley
Coach Alan Dukes and the North Cobb Christian School Eagles baseball team have high expectations for this season. With a high number of mature players returning, the team has set its sights on the state tournament. At practice, Dukes reminds his players to concentrate on their goals while on the field.
Last year the Eagles made it to the first round of the state playoffs, and they are prepared to make it further this season. Senior Davis Richardson, who led Cobb County in batting average last season, says he has higher goals for his final year at NCCS. “I’m determined to make it to state this year, and I know my team is behind me,” says Richardson.
One of the team strengths this year is the depth of its pitching staff. With the help of assistant coach Kevin Patterson, the Eagles have been training and preparing for the season since November, working in the weight room and running as a team. This team is excited and ready to compete in Region 6A.
by Jacob Mozley
Coach Alan Dukes and the North Cobb Christian School Eagles baseball team have high expectations for this season. With a high number of mature players returning, the team has set its sights on the state tournament. At practice, Dukes reminds his players to concentrate on their goals while on the field.Last year the Eagles made it to the first round of the state playoffs, and they are prepared to make it further this season. Senior Davis Richardson, who led Cobb County in batting average last season, says he has higher goals for his final year at NCCS. “I’m determined to make it to state this year, and I know my team is behind me,” says Richardson.
One of the team strengths this year is the depth of its pitching staff. With the help of assistant coach Kevin Patterson, the Eagles have been training and preparing for the season since November, working in the weight room and running as a team. This team is excited and ready to compete in Region 6A.
Eagles Shooting For Excellence
by Kevin Walters
The North Cobb Christian School boys soccer team is looking to improve from last season’s performance. With four seniors and seven juniors returning this year, the Eagles anticipate a promising season. Given their experience, players have high expectations for making it to state.
The team hopes new coach Phil Masters will make a big impact in the upcoming season. According to junior Allen Kondratev, Masters’ coaching style is aggressive. “With the way he coaches, it makes everyone want to try harder and run faster even when you have nothing left,” Kondratev says.
Masters’ theme for this season is hard work. “Hard work in practice translates to hard work in the game,” he says. With a new coach and a host of veteran players, the Eagles will strive to reach the GHSA state playoffs for the first time.
by Kevin Walters
The North Cobb Christian School boys soccer team is looking to improve from last season’s performance. With four seniors and seven juniors returning this year, the Eagles anticipate a promising season. Given their experience, players have high expectations for making it to state. The team hopes new coach Phil Masters will make a big impact in the upcoming season. According to junior Allen Kondratev, Masters’ coaching style is aggressive. “With the way he coaches, it makes everyone want to try harder and run faster even when you have nothing left,” Kondratev says.
Masters’ theme for this season is hard work. “Hard work in practice translates to hard work in the game,” he says. With a new coach and a host of veteran players, the Eagles will strive to reach the GHSA state playoffs for the first time.
Kicking Toward New Goals
by Jessie Loya
The 2011 NCCS girls soccer team is soaring high to achieve new goals under second-year coach Mike Timms and assistant coach Juan Perez. The coaches’ desire for the girls this season is to compete in every game and make it to the playoffs. The team is full of young athletes who are striving to get better and play aggressively on the field. The offense will be led by sophomores Julia Martin and Kara Howe, and the defense will be led by senior Jessie Loya, sophomore Brittany Lewis and freshman keeper Taylor Brittingham. Timms believes the team’s strongest assets are his players’ excitement for the game and willingness to improve. He encourages them to stay focused and listen to the coaches. “If we come ready to play hard and work to achieve our goals, each day we will find success,” says Timms. He has a purpose behind every practice with an end result in mind. Brittany Lewis says, “I hope the girls expect to win and come ready to fight. We may not have all the talent, but we definitely have the heart.”
by Jessie Loya
The 2011 NCCS girls soccer team is soaring high to achieve new goals under second-year coach Mike Timms and assistant coach Juan Perez. The coaches’ desire for the girls this season is to compete in every game and make it to the playoffs. The team is full of young athletes who are striving to get better and play aggressively on the field. The offense will be led by sophomores Julia Martin and Kara Howe, and the defense will be led by senior Jessie Loya, sophomore Brittany Lewis and freshman keeper Taylor Brittingham. Timms believes the team’s strongest assets are his players’ excitement for the game and willingness to improve. He encourages them to stay focused and listen to the coaches. “If we come ready to play hard and work to achieve our goals, each day we will find success,” says Timms. He has a purpose behind every practice with an end result in mind. Brittany Lewis says, “I hope the girls expect to win and come ready to fight. We may not have all the talent, but we definitely have the heart.”
Eagles Driving For Funby Taylor Mushtare
New varsity golf coach Harry Miles has high hopes for his Eagles golf team. His goal this season is to train the seniors to show positive leadership and to be good Christian role models for middle school golfers. Miles expects seniors “to help teach the younger golfers the etiquette and rules of the game just as a coach would.” His expectations are for the team to work hard to improve and respect the rules of golf. Miles also wants the team to help establish a future dominant golf program. The goals of returning seniors Chase Eby and Taylor Mushtare are to have fun and lower the team’s scores, which will lead to the team competing for a region title.
Eagles Swing For Region Title
by Marcus White
As winter sports like basketball, swimming and wrestling begin to wind down, student-athletes begin to welcome spring sports played predominantly outside. According to North Cobb Christian School tennis coach Duaine Hicks, this is the tennis team’s most anticipated season yet. Led by seniors Matthew Crafton, Jordan West and Jacob Tatum, the boys team is poised for a region run. A trio of key players, Cassie Smith, Lizzy Rigdon and Taylor Johnson, lead the Lady Eagles. The girls team added fresh faces Katelyn Dobbs and Katarina Guarino while the boys gained Will Rogers and Zach Gibson.
Hicks has lofty goals for his squad. With a core of experienced players and hungry newcomers, the NCCS tennis team looks ready to take on Region 6A. Hicks says, “Our aspirations are to make the GHSA state tournament.” This would be a first in school history, so the tennis team is attempting to not only make state but to become contenders in the future.
by Marcus White
As winter sports like basketball, swimming and wrestling begin to wind down, student-athletes begin to welcome spring sports played predominantly outside. According to North Cobb Christian School tennis coach Duaine Hicks, this is the tennis team’s most anticipated season yet. Led by seniors Matthew Crafton, Jordan West and Jacob Tatum, the boys team is poised for a region run. A trio of key players, Cassie Smith, Lizzy Rigdon and Taylor Johnson, lead the Lady Eagles. The girls team added fresh faces Katelyn Dobbs and Katarina Guarino while the boys gained Will Rogers and Zach Gibson.
Hicks has lofty goals for his squad. With a core of experienced players and hungry newcomers, the NCCS tennis team looks ready to take on Region 6A. Hicks says, “Our aspirations are to make the GHSA state tournament.” This would be a first in school history, so the tennis team is attempting to not only make state but to become contenders in the future.
Taking a Shot at Success
by Chad Smith
This year’s North Cobb Christian School track and field team is sure to be successful, especially with new throwing coach Sarah Miles, wife of Eagles head football coach Harry Miles.
Sarah Miles ran track at Samford University and coached there for two years. She is very excited about this year and looks forward to a deeper involvement with NCCS. “Being a coach’s wife, I feel like I already know everyone. So it’s great to finally be involved in coaching the players.” Miles’s goal for the season is for everyone on the team to throw their personal best and improve greatly.
The throwers are also looking forward to the upcoming season. The varsity throwing team consists of four seniors, a junior, a sophomore and a freshman. Concerning his new coach, senior Joe Strickland says, “She expects big things out of us, and we expect big things out of ourselves.”
by Chad Smith
This year’s North Cobb Christian School track and field team is sure to be successful, especially with new throwing coach Sarah Miles, wife of Eagles head football coach Harry Miles.
Sarah Miles ran track at Samford University and coached there for two years. She is very excited about this year and looks forward to a deeper involvement with NCCS. “Being a coach’s wife, I feel like I already know everyone. So it’s great to finally be involved in coaching the players.” Miles’s goal for the season is for everyone on the team to throw their personal best and improve greatly.
The throwers are also looking forward to the upcoming season. The varsity throwing team consists of four seniors, a junior, a sophomore and a freshman. Concerning his new coach, senior Joe Strickland says, “She expects big things out of us, and we expect big things out of ourselves.”
December 2010
Eagles Shoot for Titleby Jacob Mozley and Taylor Mushtare
There is no question that the North Cobb Christian School basketball program excels year after year due to phenomenal players. Led by seniors Andrew Ho-On, Michael Matta, Blake Ralling, Zach Brink and Marcus White, the 2010-2011 team has the state title in its sights.
After two seasons as an assistant coach at Kennesaw State University, coach Greg Matta returned to NCCS. Matta has a successful past at NCCS, winning two state championships and a NACA national title. “I love NCCS,” Matta says. “I’ve been a part of this school for about six years, and I have seen all the great things that are happening here. I am so blessed to be a part of them.”
Coach Matta says the key to winning this year is for the players to play team defense and to unite as one on the court. Although Matta is known for his energetic coaching style, he says he will surprise fans this year with his new, mellow personality. With his calm approach and leadership from the seniors, the Eagles are on their way to a successful season.
Riding to a New Beginningby Taylor Hathaway
A new team has been added to the North Cobb Christian School sports program. After presenting the idea of an equestrian team in August, sophomores Abbey Quigley and Ashley Gilleland were thrilled when they received approval. Thus, a group of six experienced horseback riders came together to form the NCCS equestrian team. The ladies practice and take lessons together several times a week at a local stable owned by head coach Jennifer Johnson.
The Lady Eagles placed sixth overall in their inaugural meet, which is solid for an organization of their size. Quigley, team captain, says, “It’s such a fun thing to do. We have such an awesome time together because we all share the same passion for horses.” The NCCS equestrian team is off to a great start, and the girls’ enthusiastic attitude foreshadows the potential improvement of their skills.
Leaving a Legacy
by Jessie Loya
The North Cobb Christian varsity girls basketball team has high expectations this season and many goals to achieve. The girls have spent many hours in the gym perfecting their game. Each day, the team is shooting toward success and personal growth.
Senior Morgan Woodward says, “I am so excited for this season. Our team has been working really hard, and I feel like we are a team to watch out for. We are faster, stronger and more experienced.”
The Lady Eagles went to camp this summer at Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and left their defensive mark on the court. Head coach Mike Timms constantly reminds the girls that defense wins championships and success is all about attitude and heart.
The 2010-2011 team is led by six seniors whose leadership is prevalent on and off the court. The upperclassmen want to leave a legacy that the underclassmen will always remember. They not only want the team to be successful on the court, but also to follow the example of Jesus in all aspects of their lives. “We aren’t just a team, we are a family,” says senior Victoria Holland.
by Jessie Loya
The North Cobb Christian varsity girls basketball team has high expectations this season and many goals to achieve. The girls have spent many hours in the gym perfecting their game. Each day, the team is shooting toward success and personal growth.
Senior Morgan Woodward says, “I am so excited for this season. Our team has been working really hard, and I feel like we are a team to watch out for. We are faster, stronger and more experienced.”
The Lady Eagles went to camp this summer at Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and left their defensive mark on the court. Head coach Mike Timms constantly reminds the girls that defense wins championships and success is all about attitude and heart.
The 2010-2011 team is led by six seniors whose leadership is prevalent on and off the court. The upperclassmen want to leave a legacy that the underclassmen will always remember. They not only want the team to be successful on the court, but also to follow the example of Jesus in all aspects of their lives. “We aren’t just a team, we are a family,” says senior Victoria Holland.
New Beginnings
by Marcus White
The NCCS wrestling team is blazing a new trail in Eagles athletics. This winter, the team will include high school students for the first time and compete in the GHSA as a junior varsity squad. Previously, wrestling was only available to middle school and elementary school students. Head coach Keith Masters, a former GHSA state champion wrestler, started the program in 2009 and has high hopes for the team in the coming years.
The team is young as there are no seniors and only one junior on the roster. But the coaching staff is emphasizing hard work, proper preparation, focused intensity and the value of building a program. As the team grows and learns together, fans should look for the Eagles to be competitive in every meet they enter. Next year, NCCS plans to elevate the team to full varsity status with an eye toward a region schedule the following season.
by Marcus White
The NCCS wrestling team is blazing a new trail in Eagles athletics. This winter, the team will include high school students for the first time and compete in the GHSA as a junior varsity squad. Previously, wrestling was only available to middle school and elementary school students. Head coach Keith Masters, a former GHSA state champion wrestler, started the program in 2009 and has high hopes for the team in the coming years. The team is young as there are no seniors and only one junior on the roster. But the coaching staff is emphasizing hard work, proper preparation, focused intensity and the value of building a program. As the team grows and learns together, fans should look for the Eagles to be competitive in every meet they enter. Next year, NCCS plans to elevate the team to full varsity status with an eye toward a region schedule the following season.
October 2010
Bring It On
by Jessie Loya
The NCCS varsity competition and football support squads have high expectations this season. The squads have almost doubled in size since last year and have expanded the cheer program.
After learning new cheers, chants, and dances at camp this past summer, the girls earned second place in the cheer division while taking home first place in the extreme routine dance division. Shelby Thayer, Morgan Gillespie, Kaitlin Dupuy and Jessica Reynolds made the All-American team and will have an opportunity to travel to London, England.
Football cheer captain Shelby Thayer says, “At camp we all learned to work together and use our different personalities for the best of the squad. The new things we learned were really helpful and we can’t wait to show what we learned.”
The football cheer squad was excited to be a part of the first NCCS varsity football win against Mt. Zion. They did an awesome job of getting the fans excited and can’t wait to win more games and keep the crowd involved.
On Saturday, September 11, the competition squad had their first competition and brought home a second place trophy against Darlington High School in the Coosa Classic. With an expanded program, the team is now able to choreograph more stunts and tumbling into their routine, enabling them to compete with a greater advantage.
Coach Amber Timms expects good things to come for the squads this year and hopes their hard work will bring home a first place trophy this season.
by Jessie Loya
The NCCS varsity competition and football support squads have high expectations this season. The squads have almost doubled in size since last year and have expanded the cheer program. After learning new cheers, chants, and dances at camp this past summer, the girls earned second place in the cheer division while taking home first place in the extreme routine dance division. Shelby Thayer, Morgan Gillespie, Kaitlin Dupuy and Jessica Reynolds made the All-American team and will have an opportunity to travel to London, England.
Football cheer captain Shelby Thayer says, “At camp we all learned to work together and use our different personalities for the best of the squad. The new things we learned were really helpful and we can’t wait to show what we learned.”
The football cheer squad was excited to be a part of the first NCCS varsity football win against Mt. Zion. They did an awesome job of getting the fans excited and can’t wait to win more games and keep the crowd involved.
On Saturday, September 11, the competition squad had their first competition and brought home a second place trophy against Darlington High School in the Coosa Classic. With an expanded program, the team is now able to choreograph more stunts and tumbling into their routine, enabling them to compete with a greater advantage.
Coach Amber Timms expects good things to come for the squads this year and hopes their hard work will bring home a first place trophy this season.
Turning Things Around
by Chad Smith • photography by Zugbugs Photography
The NCCS Eagle football team is looking to turn things around in the 2010 season. Throughout the past four years of football, the Eagles have been through a lot of adversity. Last year, the Eagles went 0-9 in their first year playing a full varsity schedule.
Although a fourth-year program, they are still a young team with great potential. The Eagles are headed by leading rusher Corey Harris and leading receiver Matthew Pile on offense, and leading tacklers Chad Smith, Corey Masters and Grant Titus on defense.
The Eagles recently brought home their first varsity win in school history. On August 27 the Eagles battled Mount Zion in Carroll County, which resulted in a 26-8 victory. “It felt great,” says Masters. “It was worth all the blood, sweat and tears just to get that first victory.” Harris recorded more than 250 rushing yards three touchdowns while Pile recorded more than 80 receiving yards and one touchdown.
The Eagles aren’t finished yet! They still have plenty of games, including St. Francis, Lakeview and Hebron Christian. They are continuing to work hard to turn the program into something fans can be proud of.
“We have to keep the intensity up in practice,” says Masters. “If we do that, I know we can continue to be successful!”
by Chad Smith • photography by Zugbugs Photography
The NCCS Eagle football team is looking to turn things around in the 2010 season. Throughout the past four years of football, the Eagles have been through a lot of adversity. Last year, the Eagles went 0-9 in their first year playing a full varsity schedule. Although a fourth-year program, they are still a young team with great potential. The Eagles are headed by leading rusher Corey Harris and leading receiver Matthew Pile on offense, and leading tacklers Chad Smith, Corey Masters and Grant Titus on defense.
The Eagles recently brought home their first varsity win in school history. On August 27 the Eagles battled Mount Zion in Carroll County, which resulted in a 26-8 victory. “It felt great,” says Masters. “It was worth all the blood, sweat and tears just to get that first victory.” Harris recorded more than 250 rushing yards three touchdowns while Pile recorded more than 80 receiving yards and one touchdown.
The Eagles aren’t finished yet! They still have plenty of games, including St. Francis, Lakeview and Hebron Christian. They are continuing to work hard to turn the program into something fans can be proud of.
“We have to keep the intensity up in practice,” says Masters. “If we do that, I know we can continue to be successful!”
Welcome to the Big Leagues
by Kevin Walters and Marcus White
The Lady Eagles softball team began the season with a victory to remember. In a close game on August 17, the Lady Eagles were able to pull out the win with clutch plays against 5A foe McEachern High School.
Going into the final inning, the Lady Eagles were down a run. A hit from sophomore Kailey Boyer brought in two runners and the Lady Eagles were able to take the lead and hold on for the 5-4 win.
Senior leader Sofi Turner says, “The win over McEachern got us even more excited about the season knowing we can beat a 5A public school.”
The win gave the Lady Eagles the confidence to strive for excellence in upcoming games and the desire to work hard and prepare in practice. Turner adds, “To prepare for games, we have a focused practice the day before and then an hour-long warm-up before the game.”
Led by seniors Ashley Godfrey, Victoria Holland and Sofi Turner, the Eagles look to have a great season with a state championship as the final goal.
by Kevin Walters and Marcus White
The Lady Eagles softball team began the season with a victory to remember. In a close game on August 17, the Lady Eagles were able to pull out the win with clutch plays against 5A foe McEachern High School. Going into the final inning, the Lady Eagles were down a run. A hit from sophomore Kailey Boyer brought in two runners and the Lady Eagles were able to take the lead and hold on for the 5-4 win.
Senior leader Sofi Turner says, “The win over McEachern got us even more excited about the season knowing we can beat a 5A public school.”
The win gave the Lady Eagles the confidence to strive for excellence in upcoming games and the desire to work hard and prepare in practice. Turner adds, “To prepare for games, we have a focused practice the day before and then an hour-long warm-up before the game.”
Led by seniors Ashley Godfrey, Victoria Holland and Sofi Turner, the Eagles look to have a great season with a state championship as the final goal.
Serving Up Success
by Taylor Hathaway
The NCCS varsity volleyball team has made a name for themselves this season by beating 5A Hillgrove High School and the fourth-ranked team in Georgia for A/AA, The Lovett School.
Senior Brittany Ortiz says, “The Lovett game was our best game so far because we worked hard and played with our hearts.” With great passes from the defense, accurate sets by Taylor Hathaway and kills by Lauren Johnston and Amanda Adamson, the Lady Eagles took the win in two games, 25-18 and 25-21.
With promising potential, this season’s team hopes to advance deep into the state tournament. With six seniors and four sophomores, the team’s impressive start and great chemistry have made them eager to take on any opponent this season.
“I am very pleased with how this very special group of young ladies welcomes being challenged on a daily basis and is open to learning all they can,” says coach Bernie Goldfine. “Any high school sports team can get excited on game days, but it is a rare and special team that relishes the challenges and learning at practices!”
The Lady Eagles are sure to have many supportive fans on October 15 in the first round of the state tournament.
by Taylor Hathaway
The NCCS varsity volleyball team has made a name for themselves this season by beating 5A Hillgrove High School and the fourth-ranked team in Georgia for A/AA, The Lovett School.Senior Brittany Ortiz says, “The Lovett game was our best game so far because we worked hard and played with our hearts.” With great passes from the defense, accurate sets by Taylor Hathaway and kills by Lauren Johnston and Amanda Adamson, the Lady Eagles took the win in two games, 25-18 and 25-21.
With promising potential, this season’s team hopes to advance deep into the state tournament. With six seniors and four sophomores, the team’s impressive start and great chemistry have made them eager to take on any opponent this season.
“I am very pleased with how this very special group of young ladies welcomes being challenged on a daily basis and is open to learning all they can,” says coach Bernie Goldfine. “Any high school sports team can get excited on game days, but it is a rare and special team that relishes the challenges and learning at practices!”
The Lady Eagles are sure to have many supportive fans on October 15 in the first round of the state tournament.
All photography submitted by North Cobb Christian School
