The history behind why our portion of South Georgia became known as Winnersville is intrinsically connected to the history of the Wildcats leading Valdosta High to the legendary status of the “most winningest” high school football team in the nation.

But the spirit of Winnersville has transcended one team to include not only Wildcat football, but the championship teams of the Lowndes High Vikings and the Valdosta State University Blazers.

Winnersville now transcends football. It is a name that reflects a championship spirit in many sports throughout Valdosta-Lowndes County.

Winnersville is a term that has come to represent a spirit of excellence both on the field in numerous local sports to off the field as our community grows and prospers.

This month, ValdostaScene looks at several area athletes, from various sports, from various backgrounds and of various ages. These athletes have proven themselves stars on and off the field.

These are athletes who exemplify the meaning of Winnersville:

The Winnersville tradition.

The Winnersville dedication.

The Winnersville spirit.



Tomcats Wrestling Team of the Year



Age Range of Members: 12-15 years old

Coaches: Keith McConnehead, head coach; Willie Scott, assistant coach; Marshall Loucher, assistant coach; and Jack Broomberg assistant coach

School: Valdosta Middle School



ValdostaScene: Valdosta Middle School wrestlers have not lost a match in four years and are off to a great start for five if they continue the winning streak for the rest of this year. Why do you believe the team has continued to achieve such success?

Keith McConnehead: I believe that our practice schedule and the techniques I teach have a great deal to do with it. Many of these athletes come to me as sixth graders and know nothing about the sport. I start them with the basics and am always surprised at how quickly they learn and pick everything up. They are usually hooked on the sport quickly and enjoy the success that we have been so lucky to have as a team.



ValdostaScene: What makes a good wrestler?

Keith McConnehead: It takes hard work and dedication to become a good wrestler. A wrestler must also have “heart” and “desire” and a “never say quit” attitude. A willingness to keep a positive outlook and to be a team player is extremely important. We are a combined team made up of athletes from both Valdosta Middle and J.L. Newbern. These same athletes compete against each other in many other sports during the school year, and they must come together, support each other and wrestle as teammates for this sport. Good sportsmanship is taught from the beginning so that these athletes know that they are always expected to wrestle by the rules and handle themselves with integrity regardless of the outcome of the match.



ValdostaScene: On a personal level, how does it feel to coach the most dominating wrestling team in south Georgia and north Florida?

Keith McConnehead: I am so proud of the accomplishments that these young men have had since I have been coaching the program here. It is humbling to have people give me credit when the accolades and glory should be given to the athletes.



ValdostaScene: What do you think the future holds for the Valdosta Middle School wrestlers?

Keith McConnehead: I am hopeful that we will be able to continue our success, but the competition is fierce out there and many of the programs are giving us a run for our money. I know that much of the success of the wrestling program is attributed to the fact that we have the support of and assistance from our principal, Mr. Marty Roesch, and our system athletic director, Coach Rick Tomberlin. As long as I have athletes willing to work hard and put in the time and effort to be a part of our program, I will continue to coach them to the best of my ability.



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Evans George

Swimming Athlete

of the Year



Age: 6

Family: Frank and Gaye George, parents; Judson George, 12, and Cannon George, 10, brothers

Hometown: Valdosta

School: Crossroads Baptist School

Sports: Swimming at Valdosta YMCA and ballet at Valdosta School of Ballet



Valdosta Scene: When did you decide to the join the Valdosta YMCA’s Piranha Swim Team? Why was it something that you wanted to do?

Evans George: (I joined the swim team sometime during) the summer (of 2007). (I wanted to do it) because I like to swim and because my brother Cannon had joined.



Valdosta Scene: What do you enjoy most about swimming?

Evans George: (I like) my swim coach. Her name is Angie (Leach). And I like to win a lot of ribbons and medals.



Valdosta Scene: What swimming style(s) are your strongest? What swimming style(s) are your weakest?

Evans George: I’m really good at free style. I’m not so good at butterfly and breaststroke. They’re the hardest.



Valdosta Scene: Have you won any awards for your swimming? If so, where do you keep them?

Evans George: A first place and a third place in 6 and under girls. I like to keep them on a shelf in my room.



Valdosta Scene: Where and how often do you practice your swimming?

Evans George: (I go the YMCA) four to five days a week all year long for an hour each day. Mondays are endurance training days. (On average I swim) 20 to 30 laps a day. I never get tired of it. (With swimming there is) a lot to learn and remember. If (I) don’t do the right kick with the right stroke, I’ll get DQ’d (disqualified).



Valdosta Scene: Are you working toward any specific goals related to your swimming? A faster time, maybe?

Evans George: (I would like) to get faster with my free style and get better at (the) butterfly and (the) breaststroke.



Compiled by Jessica Pope

Photo by Paul Leavy



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Paul Phillips Soccer Athlete of the Year



Age: 18

Parents: Rev. Tim and Deanne Phillips

Hometown: Boston

School: Open Bible Christian School

Sports: Soccer, baseball and basketball at Open Bible Christian School



Valdosta Scene: How old were you when you first started playing around with a soccer ball?

Where did your interest in the sport evolve from?

Paul Phillips: I was 8 years old when I started playing soccer. I played at the YMCA in Thomasville. My interest in soccer came from watching others play soccer at the YMCA. When I was little, if there was a ball involved, I wanted to play.



Valdosta Scene: In 2006, you scored some 30 goals for Open Bible Christian School, leading them to a Georgia Christian Athletic Association state championship? Is that a moment you will carry with you forever?

Paul Phillips: I will always remember last year’s state championship game. Our soccer team trained hard for our main goal and that was to win Open Bible's first soccer state championship. The game was a nail biter to the end. There were points in the game when I thought we just did not have the drive to come back, but I was wrong. There was not a second that our team did not lay down. We knew from the beginning we needed to play to the final whistle. Winning the state championship was awesome, but nothing was more fun than winning with my teammates, my friends, and making my coach, Mr. Smith, proud of us. As a kid, I always dreamed of winning the game in the last second for the team. In the game, I was given the chance, and I took advantage of it. Scoring the winning goal in the last seconds of the game will be something I will never forget.



Valdosta Scene: In 2007, you were moved from forward to center midfield to help the team. How did that change influence the way you approach the game?

Paul Phillips: My goal as an athlete is to win and help my team go as far as we can go in the playoffs. Moving from forward to center midfield was a big role for me. The center midfield is the quarterback of the soccer team. Last year, we had an awesome center midfielder, Josh Gervacio, who helped me grow as a soccer player. Josh was the leader of the team as the center midfielder, and with him graduating someone had to fill his role. Moving to center midfield meant that a leadership role was involved. The change was great, but the approach had to be more on a leadership level of play.



Valdosta Scene: In terms of soccer, where do you likely see yourself a few years from now? What about 10 years from now? Playing in college? Playing professionally? Playing for fun?

Paul Phillips: In terms of soccer, I really do not see myself playing in college or even professionally. I would love to play any sport in college and professionally. I really do not consider myself a great soccer player, but I love playing the sport. Ten years from now, playing professionally in any sport has been my dream for a long time. I believe if I do not make the next level, I will still play for fun.



Compiled by Jessica Pope • Photo by Paul Leavy



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Jennifer Powell Taekwondo Athlete of the Year



Age: 53

Family: Edwin Powell, husband

Hometown: Albany

Place of Employment: Fresh Beginnings Inc., Chief Administrator

Sports: Taekwondo at Performance Martial Arts Academy and tennis at Valdosta Country Club and the Valdosta-Lowndes County Recreation, Parks and Community Affairs Department’s McKey Park



Valdosta Scene: How did you first get started in taekwondo? How old were you? Why did you initially want to study the martial art? Why do you continue to do it?

Jennifer Powell: My gift to myself for my 50th birthday was taekwondo. I was looking for something that would keep me flexible and toned physically and challenged mentally. After diving in, I was pleased to benefit from the teaching of the philosophy of martial arts — discipline, respect (and) honor — as well as being trained in many self-defense techniques. (Because) Performance Martial Arts is affiliated with the American Taekwondo Association, ... (it) ... provided me with an avenue to compete nationally and internationally. Through competition, I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people and expand my circle of friends. I continue my martial arts journey because it is a philosophy of life that I believe in, a low impact means of staying physically fit and a fun way to stay mentally alert.



Valdosta Scene: When did you earn your first degree black belt? What was that moment like? You hold a second degree black belt now? Working on a third?

Jennifer Powell: I earned my first degree black belt (in) October 2004, and it was definitely one of my proudest moments. The work and dedication necessary to attain this goal has truly made me a better person. I obtained my second degree black belt in August 2006 and will continue to work towards obtaining my third degree black belt sometime in 2008.



Valdosta Scene: You are a two-time world champion in the sport of taekwondo. Are there any particular events that you won the titles in, and when did you win them? How do you prepare for competitions? How does it feel to win? How did you do at the recent American Taekwondo Association event in Little Rock, Ark.?

Jennifer Powell: Winning is not everything. Doing the best that you can do is what counts. I have enjoyed a lot of success in competition since I started in taekwondo: State Champion in 2005 and 2006 in Forms, Weapons and Sparring, World Champion in 2005 in Forms and Weapons, World Champion in 2006 in Forms and National Champion in 2007 in Forms. Preparation for competitions, like all sports, requires a lot of practice time. Conditioning your muscles to do moves without having to think comes with a lot of repetition. Weeks before a competition, balance, flexibility and proper technique get fine tuned (and critiqued) by my instructor, Mr. (Mitchell) Church. Once the tournament starts, your hard work, training and focus take you through the competition. The judges score you, and when you receive the top scores, all you've worked for is validated. It's really great to end up with the best scores.



Valdosta Scene: What other titles do you hold or awards have you earned in taekwondo?

Jennifer Powell: All black belts are expected to judge the lower rank rings at tournaments they attend. At a recent tournament, I received an Outstanding Judge Award. This was special to me because these awards are recommendations by the parents or spectators at the tournament. To get this kind of approval from parents, whose children you are judging, is truly awesome.



Valdosta Scene: How far do you plan to go in taekwondo? Is there anything you hope to accomplish in the future with this martial art?

Jennifer Powell: I plan on continuing taekwondo the rest of my life. It is not age restrictive, it is age beneficial. I have been given the opportunity to assist with training the youth and adult taekwondo students. It is very rewarding to see individuals develop skills that they never thought possible — at all ages. There are a lot of things I would like to accomplish in this sport, among them (being) establishing an elective class in the elementary school systems for students to be exposed to martial arts, specifically discipline, honor, respect and physical fitness; equipping students going off to college (with) self-defense techniques for their confidence and safety; and expanding the use of taekwondo to help maintain flexibility, agility and balance for the maturing or aging individual. My ultimate goal is to continue having fun.



Compiled by Jessica Pope

Photo by Paul Leavy



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Todd Howard Tennis Athlete of the Year



Age: 39

Family: Single

Hometown: Rochester, New York

Place of Employment: Valdosta State University, Groundskeeper

Sports: Tennis, floor hockey, basketball, bowling, volleyball, badminton and softball, all through the Valdosta-Lowndes County Recreation, Parks and Community Affairs Department for Georgia Special Olympics



Valdosta Scene: When did you first pick up a tennis racket? What was it about the sport that initially drew you to it? What is it about the sport that keeps you coming back for more?

Todd Howard: I think I was between 10 and 13 (years of age). It was something I was interested in trying. It looked like fun. I studied it as a (physical education) class in high school. I started playing it again five years ago when I started getting tired of volleyball.



Valdosta Scene: In May 2007, you competed in the Georgia Special Olympic Games in Atlanta in tennis. What was that experience like?

Todd Howard: That was something different and challenging ... for me anyway. I came in fifth. That made me want to work harder and play better for the next summer games.



Valdosta Scene: Are you working toward any other tennis goals at the present time? Maybe another trip to the Georgia Special Olympic Games? How about the World Special Olympic Games?

Todd Howard: Right now, I am practicing for the winter games in floor hockey and basketball. Then I will start practicing tennis. I will be ready for the summer games in May 2008.



Valdosta Scene: Where and how often do you practice your tennis skills?

Todd Howard: I practice tennis from January to May during my lunch break five days a week every Monday through Friday. I only take a break when I have to practice for my other events.



Valdosta Scene: What do you want everyone to know about the Georgia Special Olympic Games?

Todd Howard: I joined Special Olympics when I was in middle school. I have won 23 medals. I am a global messenger and have been on the radio and television and in the newspaper talking about Special Olympics. I am also on the athlete council. I encourage others to join Special Olympics.



Compiled by Jessica Pope

Photo by Paul Leavy



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Scott Palmer VSU Football Athlete of the Year



Age: 23

Parents: Daryle and Dana Palmer

Hometown: Dacula

School: Valdosta State University

Sports: Football at Valdosta State University



Valdosta Scene: What first interested you in football, and were there any other sports you have participated in either currently or in the past?

Scott Palmer: I became interested in football when I was 9 years old. My little brother and my dad actually talked me into playing. My dad played when he was younger and is a huge influence in my life and my brother was already interested, so I signed up and decided that I liked it. The only other sport I have played is baseball. I started playing baseball when I was 5 and continued to play both sports throughout high school. I decided to play football in college and actually received a football scholarship to play at VSU.



Valdosta Scene: What has been your most exciting moment on the field for VSU?

Scott Palmer: The most exciting moment I have experienced on the field is winning the National Championship in 2004. When the clock hit 0:00, the fans rushed onto the field and that's when it hit me that we were National Champs. There is no better feeling.





Valdosta Scene: You have been a consummate teammate in the full back position, while not getting many statistics in the past. How has that been for you? This season you've had more carries and catches. How has that changed anything?

Scott Palmer: Well I think everyone has a role on the football team. I take pride in lead blocking for my running backs and receivers. And I'm always trying to be the first person down the field on special teams. Even though I have been getting more carries and catches this year, nothing has really changed. I still love blocking. I just look at all the carries and catches I have this year as Coach Dean rewarding me for my hard work.



Valdosta Scene: You sort of have a cult following, with a small fan club and the mohawk and other things. Did you ever think you would be that popular on the field?

Scott Palmer: No. I never thought that things would be the way they are today. However, I am pretty happy because the fans are what keep me pumped up each game. I mean how awesome is it, when a fan wears your number to a game, when a young boy tells you he named his dog “Palmer” after you, or when someone makes a Facebook Fan Club called “The Scott Palmer Fan Club” supporting you? It feels good to know that I have people who support me especially on game day when they are chanting my name, I look up into the stands and as soon as I hear them I get all fired up and ready to bust a wedge!



Compiled by Bryan Fazio

Photo by Pat Gallagher



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Blake Summers LHS Football Athlete of the Year



Age: 17

Parents: Jeff and Staphanie Summers

Hometown: Valdosta

School: Lowndes High School

Sports: Football at Lowndes High School



Valdosta Scene: When did you first play football, and what positions did you play before settling in at linebacker?

Blake Summers: I believe I started playing football when I was around 7 at the Boys and Girls Club. Back then I was playing tightened and defensive end. Later on, in middle school, I was playing nose guard and wingback.

I didn’t start playing linebacker ‘till I was in ninth grade.



Valdosta Scene: What does it mean to you to be a Viking?

Blake Summers: Let me just say it’s hard to be a Viking. That’s what Coach Mac always says all the time. But to me, being a Viking is just loving to be able to play in front of thousands of fans in Martin Stadium every Friday night, also, just putting my heart on the line for my team.



Valdosta Scene: What has been your proudest moment on the field?

Blake Summers: One of my proudest moments was this year when I made the interception against Valdosta. There is probably no better feeling than that, especially against Valdosta.



Valdosta Scene: What was it like to win two region titles in your career?

Blake Summers: That’s a great achievement, especially in the toughest region in Georgia



Valdosta Scene: What was it like to experience state championships your freshman and sophomore years?

Blake Summers: It was a great experience and I got to see how we needed to keep the winning tradition going, as we are doing.



Valdosta Scene: What is the goal for your football career following high school?

Blake Summers: I would love to go play football at the next level.



Valdosta Scene: Besides the interception against Valdosta, do you have any other things about the 2007 season that stand out in your mind?

Blake Summers: Another moment would be the touchdown I scored against Warner Robins.



Valdosta Scene: How much does it mean to you to wear the same number, 50, that your brother, Rob, wore for Lowndes?

Blake Summers: It means a lot ‘cause I look up to my brother a lot. He is a big role model for me.



Compiled by Jessica Pope and

Bryan Fazio

Photo by Pat Gallagher



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David Arnold VHS Football Athlete of the Year



Age: 18

Parents: Willie and Carolyn Arnold

Hometown: Valdosta

School: Valdosta High School

Sports: Football and baseball at Valdosta High School



Valdosta Scene: How long have you been playing football?

David Arnold: Ever since I was small, I’ve been playing. My older brother (Thomas, a running back at Valdosta State University) and my older cousins played football. I grew up in Adel, where they love football. Ever since I started playing, I’ve loved it. I’ve got a passion for it.



Valdosta Scene: How much fun was this season at Valdosta?

David Arnold: It was great. I really enjoyed it. It was good to be surrounded by great people. Coach Tomberlin and everybody just took me in and treated me like family. I wish we could have won state, but I’m not upset with how anything went.



Valdosta Scene: Were you glad to transfer to Valdosta?

David Arnold: I felt the competition was better in AAAAA. You get looked at more (by colleges). I felt like I could do more at Valdosta, with their rich tradition. In AAAAA, everybody is bigger and a step faster. It’s fun. I like the challenge. I liked playing for Cook, too. I have a lot of friends there, and I liked the coaches, and I’m pulling for them and I really hope they win state. But I’m glad I got to play for Valdosta.















Valdosta Scene: How nice was it to rush for 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season?

David Arnold: When you work hard, and you’ve got good offensive linemen and good coaches, and everything plays out in your favor, it’s great. It’s hard to fail when you’ve got a lot of good people behind you, supporting you, and pushing you forward to do better. I love our offensive line. They did a good job of blocking for me. I appreciate the whole Wildcat Nation.



Valdosta Scene: Why did you enjoy being a Wildcat?

David Arnold: All the rich tradition here, all the championships. At Valdosta, my number (No. 11) has a lot of tradition with Stan Rome and Jerome Calloway and a bunch of great players, so there was a lot to live up to. Coach T and all the coaches do a great job.



Valdosta Scene: You were Valdosta’s leading rusher this season (1,005 yards), but you also led the team in receiving (27 catches for 338 yards and three touchdowns). Do you like catching the ball a lot, too?

David Arnold: I like catching it. My brother played quarterback at Cook, so he had me out in the yard when I was younger, running routes, and I believe that contributed a lot to my catching ability.



Valdosta Scene: Valdosta went 1-9 in 2006, but turned things around this year, going 9-3. How much did you enjoy being a part of that?

David Arnold: It was hard to believe they were 1-9 when I got here. I saw their work ethic, how hard they worked, and I knew things were going to be promising, just by the way we worked in the offseason and the way the coaches coached us.



Valdosta Scene: What’s next for you?

David Arnold: I’m looking forward to college and continuing my football career and furthering my education. I’ve got offers from Illinois and N.C. State, and Coach has talked to Clemson and South Florida.



Compiled by Christian Malone

Photo by Pat Gallagher



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Sam Hogan Golf Athlete

of the Year



Age: 34

Family: Casey Hogan, wife: Catherine Claire Hogan, 4, daughter; and Emory Hogan, 2, son

Hometown: Valdosta

Place of Employment: Plummer Hogan LLP, certified public accountant



Valdosta Scene: How long have you been playing golf?

Sam Hogan: My dad started taking me out to the golf course when I was 4 or 5. I’ve played most of my life. I got serious about it my junior year of high school, when I had a good year (at Valdosta High). I enjoy playing golf.



Valdosta Scene: Talk about your great summer on the golf course.

Sam Hogan: I won the Ramsey-Pitcock tournament in Moultrie. It was a four-ball tournament, and me and Alan Hampton, who is a doctor in Brunswick, shot a 62. I shot a 63 individually. Then I won the Jack Oliver (at Valdosta Country Club) in September. And I qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur. I had a good summer.



Valdosta Scene: What was it like to play in the U.S. Mid-Amateur in September at Bandon Dunes in Oregon?

Sam Hogan: It was pretty awesome to play in the Mid-Am. It was pretty humbling, too, because there were so many good players there. If you’re a little off, you’re not going to make it to match play. I shot a 74 the first day, then the weather was brutal on Sunday, and that did me in. It got so bad that they suspended play later that day. But it was an awesome experience. I wouldn’t trade it. It was neat.



Valdosta Scene: You’ve played some of your best golf the last couple of years. Why have you played so well?

Sam Hogan: The last two years have been the best two years of my golf career. I have to thank Rob Williams (Valdosta Country Club’s pro) for a lot of that. About three years ago, I sat down with him and he revamped my swing to make it more efficient.... My swing has gotten so much more consistent over the last two years. That comes from changing my swing.



Valdosta Scene: How much did you enjoy being able to play golf for Valdosta State, in your hometown, from 1991 to 1995?

Sam Hogan: I enjoyed playing for VSU. I have some wonderful memories from playing golf in college. I started at Charleston Southern, but after a semester, I transferred back here, and Nicky (Balanis, former VSU coach) let me walk on. My sophomore year, I made All-American. My senior year, the team finished third at nationals. I was an Academic All-American my junior and senior years.



Valdosta Scene: What are some of your fondest memories in golf?

Sam Hogan: I have so many of them. One of them was my dad caddying for me at the Mid-Amateur. That meant a lot to me. I also played with him in a father-son tournament at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, and we won our flight. Another memory was when I chipped in for an eagle at the Ramsey-Pitcock this year. That kind of sealed the deal for me. There was another time when Nic (Daugharty) and I were playing in a four-ball tournament in Thomasville, and we played great. We both had putts on 18 for a 59. Last year, Nic and I won at Piney Woods for the sixth time. There are so many others I could name, too.



Compiled by Christian Malone

Photo by Pat Gallagher



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Sarah Santana Softball Athlete of the Year



Age: 17

Parents: Raymond and Debbie Santana

Hometown: Valdosta

School: Lowndes High School

Sports: Plays year-round with Lowndes High and her travel team, Southern Pride.



Valdosta Scene: How old were you when you first started playing softball? Why do you like softball?

Sarah Santana: I’ve been playing since I was 4. I love softball so much. I enjoy playing, and it’s something I’m good at. A lot of my best friends play softball, too.



Valdosta Scene: In all three years you’ve been at Lowndes, the Vikettes have made it to the state elite eight in Columbus. How much does it mean to you to have gone to Columbus three times?

Sarah Santana: Going to Columbus is pretty awesome. We’re 3-for-3 since I’ve been playing here, and I’d like to make it 4-for-4 next year. Being able to make it to Columbus is a big blessing because those are the best teams in the state. A lot of players never get to go, but we’ve been the last three years, so I definitely feel fortunate.



Valdosta Scene: What was it like to hit the walk-off home run in sectionals against Houston County that sent Lowndes to Columbus this year?

Sarah Santana: That was awesome. I remember running around the bases after hitting the home run and how great it felt. That’s like a once-in-a-lifetime thing to be able to do that. Coach (Jared) Dickey said it was one of the most memorable moments of his coaching career.



Valdosta Scene: How much did you enjoy earning All-State in 2006 as a sophomore?

Sarah Santana: I was amazed to find out I had made All-State. I had a really good season. I thought I’d make All-Region, but I didn’t expect to make All-State. It was a great honor.



Valdosta Scene: This year, why were you moved from the infield to catcher?

Sarah Santana: Our catcher from last year, (Suzanne) Kluball graduated, and Coach Dickey felt I was our best bet behind the plate. We needed an experienced player to catch Lauren (Revels), and he asked me. I’ve really started to enjoy playing the position.



Valdosta Scene: What are some goals of yours in softball in the future?

Sarah Santana: I want to go to a Division I school and play softball. I would like to be All-State again and make it to Columbus again.



Valdosta Scene: How much do you enjoy playing for Lowndes?

Sarah Santana: I love playing here. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else. It’s one of the best softball programs around here. I like playing for Coach Dickey. I’ve lived in Lowndes County all of my life, and I wanted to play (at Lowndes).



compiled by

Christian Malone

photo by Pat Gallagher



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Laura Boos Volleyball Athlete of the Year



School: Valdosta State University

Sports: Volleyball at Valdosta State University



Valdosta Scene: You were the Blazers best defensive player this year, recording about four digs from the libero position? What draws you to the defensive side of the ball rather than say playing in the hitter position?

Laura Boos: I actually used to be a hitter until my height became an issue. Everyone kept growing and I stopped and that is how I ended up in the defensive position. Even as a hitter I loved playing defense. I always thought of it to be more of a challenge. It’s when you get that one ball up that you think there is no way you can reach it and somehow you end up getting it that makes this side of the game rewarding, challenging, and fun! I wouldn’t change my position if I had the choice. I have a true passion for my role.



Valdosta Scene: What interested you in volleyball, and why did you choose to pursue it as far to the collegiate level?

Laura Boos: My first year of volleyball was in 7th grade when I made my middle school team. All my friends were trying out so I though I would to. I really didn’t think I was going to make the team. It’s a blessing that I did because it brought me to where I am today. As soon as I started to play I fell in love with the sport and the true team aspect that volleyball involves. I knew that if I worked hard enough that I could possibly get my school paid for. What a deal that is. It’s like I’m getting paid to go to school and play the game that I love.



Valdosta Scene: You transferred from Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, Arizona. What brought you from the west to the south, and how do you like Valdosta thus far?

Laura Boos: To be honest I had never even heard of Valdosta, Georgia, until Coach called me in the spring of last year. I also never pictured myself ending up this far away from home either, but it’s been another blessing. My school is getting paid for and I’m getting to do and see things I would never get to do if I was still living in Arizona. Valdosta is growing on me. It’s different then back home but I expected that. I love the school and campus and the weather is just like home minus the humidity… that’s one thing I could live without.



Valdosta Scene: What are your goals, on the court or off, following college?

Laura Boos: My goal for next season is to put all I have out on the court. It will be my last year and I want to make sure I walk away knowing that I did everything that I could with my volleyball career. As for as off the court, my main goal is finishing up school. I start the nursing program in the spring and I am really excited to graduate with my R.N. I am even thinking about trying to do a GA position coaching volleyball and to become a nurse practitioner. I do want to get married and have a family, but I want to be done with school before all of that starts.





Compiled by Bryan Fazio

Photo by Pat Gallagher



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J.D. Cummings Baseball Athlete of the Year



Age: 6

Parents: Shay and Jimmy Cummings

Hometown: Hahira

School: Hahira Elementary School

Sports: Baseball at Boys and Girls Clubs of Valdosta



Valdosta Scene: How long have you been playing T-ball with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Valdosta?

J.D. Cummings: Since I was 5 years old. (He has played a total of two seasons — spring and fall of 2007).



Valdosta Scene: What do you enjoy most about playing T-ball?

J.D. Cummings: Hitting the ball. I hit it to the circle (also known as the pitcher’s area) and then run really fast. Sometimes I hit it to the grass (also known as the outfield area). I (also) like to make it all the way home.



Valdosta Scene: What position(s) do you play? If more than one, which is your favorite and why?

J.D. Cummings: I play the circle (also known as the pitcher) and short stop. I like the circle best. I like to get people out.



Valdosta Scene: What do you do when someone hits the ball and it comes to you?

J.D. Cummings: I run to get them out.



Valdosta Scene: Do you practice your T-ball skills during the off-season?

J.D. Cummings: I play in my yard at home with my friend Cody.



Valdosta Scene: Do you plan to make your way up through the ranks and play high school, college and professional baseball someday?

J.D. Cummings: I’m going to play baseball until I’m 16. Then I’m going to play football for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.



Valdosta Scene: Do you have fun on the baseball field?

J.D. Cummings: (Nods his head up and down.)



Compiled by Jessica Pope

Photo by Pat Gallagher



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Finalis Hidalgo Valdez Basketball Athlete of the Year



Age: 17

Parents: Daniel Valdez and Janet Hildago

Hometown: Valdosta

School: Open Bible Christian School

Sports: Basketball at Open Bible Christian School



Valdosta Scene: Tell us about the first time you picked up a basketball. Why is it a sport you enjoy playing year after year?

Finalis Hidalgo Valdez: When I lived in New York, I never had the chance to participate in extracurricular activities. I moved to Valdosta six years ago and started attending Open Bible. When I was in 7th grade, I decided to try out for basketball, but I got cut. So the following year, I decided to cheer, but I did not enjoy it. My freshman year, I wanted to give basketball another chance, so I tried out and God gave me the opportunity to be part of a great team. I enjoy playing this sport year after year because it brings out my competitive side in a positive way and allows me to spend time with my friends and grow closer to them.



Valdosta Scene: Open Bible Christian School won its third straight Georgia Christian Schools Association state championship in February. What was that moment like?

Finalis Hidalgo Valdez: After being physically bruised by the other team, it was the greatest feeling ever, and all of Coach Alvarez's horrible suicides was worth it all! Knowing that we made a mark in Open Bible Christian School history winning three State Championships in a row, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Yelling “3-peat” in the middle of the court with all our fans is a moment I will never forget! I thank God for giving us the opportunity to win another State Championship because without his help nothing is possible. I also enjoyed sharing that moment with my sister, Janiel Valdez, because it was our last time playing together.



Valdosta Scene: What position do you play on the Open Bible Christian School Lady Warriors basketball team? Describe some of your most memorable moments on this team.

Finalis Hidalgo Valdez: I play 2-guard (shooting guard). Traveling on the bus is where most of our memories are made because we celebrate our victory the whole way home.



Valdosta Scene: When you consider your future, do you see yourself playing basketball? Maybe at college? How about professionally?

Finalis Hidalgo Valdez: If the opportunity ever came my way, I will be more than happy to take advantage of it. But as of right now I do not see myself playing basketball in the future.



Compiled by Jessica Pope

Photo by Pat Gallagher



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Mackenzie “Max” Rexroth Cross Country Athlete

of the Year



Age: 16

Parents: Dean Rexroth and Lisa Wilson Rexroth

Hometown: Valdosta

School: Valdosta High School

Sports: Cross country at Valdosta High School and soccer with Valdosta High School and a travel team.



Valdosta Scene: How did you discover a passion for the sport of running?

Max Rexroth: I decided to run cross country because I love soccer, and I knew running would be better conditioning than softball. I always wanted to try distance running and decided that if I didn't try this year, I would not get a chance. I began running for the sake of soccer, but after several weeks of practice and a few meets, I felt that I could get better. This past fall was my first season running cross-country at Valdosta High.



Valdosta Scene: How often do you train, and how many miles do you average each week?

Max Rexroth: The team and I practiced everyday after school, but when an old softball knee injury flared up, I couldn’t run as much as the others. At that point, many people inspired and encouraged me. Coach Brad Kight always pushed me and never gave up on me, saying “We’ll getcha there buddy! You’re a soldier!” Coach John Miller offered instructions, shared his knowledge and his caring when I spent “iced-knee” time with him. He told me to attack the next hill with confidence and to tell it, “Hello hill. My name is Max Rexroth, and I am here to dominate you.” My cross country teammate Parker Childree is an amazing runner, leading the boys team .... I want to be his equivalent for the girls team. My dad ran cross country in his younger years so he kept me pumped for races.











Valdosta Scene: Take a moment to reflect back on your first season with the Valdosta High School Cross Country team.

Max Rexroth: The VHS girls varsity “team” consisted of three girls: Tamera “Toya” Council, Coco, and me. The lone JV runner, Bailey Hurst, an 8th grader, placed in the top five in most meets. Because we didn’t have at least 6 runners, the girls times and points could not be calculated in the “team” scoring. In the final race, the 5A region meet on our home course, Toya set the pace and we stuck together. When we felt our injuries, she and I motivated each other to keep pushing. While I run, I sometimes recite bible verses like, “Young men will walk and not grow faint. They will run and not be weary.” I might recite other inspirational phrases like, “Sometimes you have to dig a little deeper than you really thought you could, only then do you get that extra push that propels you forward.” In that region race, I placed 15th with a time of 23:58, my personal best time for 3.1 miles, 3 minutes better than my running times early in the season.



Valdosta Scene: Share with us some of your greatest moments as a member of the Valdosta High School Cross Country team.

Max Rexroth: The greatest moment for me was going to state to support the boys team. In my opinion, seeing the 30 staring boxes, a start line that stretched wide across the field, and all the serious runners from schools throughout Georgia was the most inspiring sight a runner could see. I am motivated to qualify for state next season ... qualify with or without a team of 6.



Compiled by Jessica Pope

Photo by Pat Gallagher