Middle Tennessee State University Basketball Plows Through Exhibition Game

     


                                                                               

                                                   
                                                                                By Justin Razor

       MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—The Middle Tennessee State University basketball team beat down the University of Northern Alabama on Nov. 3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, by a final score of 96-65.

       MTSU got off on a run early, and from there it was over. UNA couldn’t find the scoreboard until MTSU already had 10 points on it. And even then, just a little bit later, they found themselves down 21-6, which is a big deficit to overcome.

       Even just being an exhibition game, the crowd was electric all night. The crowd erupted after big plays on a consistent basis and really helped pump the Blue Raiders throughout the game. This was especially true after one of many three-point shots made by Giddy Potts, in which some people started cheering even before the shot went in.

       MTSU was very scrappy when it came to rebounding and putting those second-chance points back in the basket as they had 24 second-chance points. They also capitalized on UNA’s turnovers by finishing with 18 turnover points.

       MTSU was very strong behind the arc, finishing 13 of 31. While that might not seem impressive, that’s 39 points. They were near perfect from the free-throw line, hitting 23 of 25, showing that they can capitalize when they are fouled.

        MTSU junior guard Giddy Potts led the team in scoring hitting five of his three-point shots out of eight attempts. MTSU redshirt senior forward JaCorey Williams finished the game with 14 points. He hit 83 percent of his attempts, showing how important he is to the team. Other noteworthy scorers were senior forward Reggie Upshaw with 13 points, freshman guard Tyrik Dixson with 9 points, and junior guard Edward Simpson with 9 points.

       “Those guys played lights out,” freshman forward Davion Thomas said. “Glad they’re on my team that’s for sure.”
       And while MTSU did score a lot, they played excellent on both sides of the ball all night. Their defense created turnovers while limiting UNA to a paltry 65 points. It was that harmony that resulted in the team’s huge win, as their offensive output was directly influenced by their stifling defense.

       “Great team win,” redshirt freshman guard Chase Miller said. “Even in exhibition it’s good to see us execute how we did tonight.”

       MTSU will need to keep executing just like they did tonight to keep being successful once their season starts. It’s time for the Blue Raiders to prepare to start their season against Milligan College Friday. The season tip-off is at 11 a.m. at Murphy Center, with ticket prices and such located at the following website. https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/mtsu/EN/buy/browse

        For more information about the Blue Raiders men’s basketball team and its upcoming schedule, visit http://www.goblueraiders.com/index.aspx?path=mbball   

 

Dick Gregory fills the stage with laughter at Zanies

By Akira Siharaj

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. ----- Comedian Dick Gregory preformed at Zanies comedy club in Nashville on Nov. 6, drawing laughs and tears from the sold-out audience.

A variety of comedians perform each day at the popular club on Eighth Avenue. The jokes are never the same.                

After walking up to 10 minutes, guests enter the club to the cheering and excitement of fans happily waiting for the show. After paying, the maître d’ escorts guests to a table. The club has a variety of places to sit, including the bar, close to the stage, or far from the stage. Sitting in one of the corners gives individuals a wide view of the audience and the stage, allowing them to see people’s faces as they laugh. 

                Gregory, who is 85 years old with 10 children, is known as a Civil Rights activist and a comedian. He spent part of his career helping Martin Luther King.  Now he is a performer who makes memorable jokes for adults while offering insights about political issues. Two other comedians opened for Gregory, giving the audience a good laugh before he took the stage. Their job was to loosen the nerves the audience had built up after waiting for more than an hour.

                During the show, staff members visited the tables to take orders for food or drinks. Attendees ordered items such as chicken wings, burgers and fries.

One of the jokes that was funny and memorable to the fans was Gregory describing the difference between an ape and a human. He told the crowd how humans’ mid-sections are not as big as an ape’s belly or lips nearly as wide. The way he described it made the audience howl.

After the show, attendees were clapping hands and whistling. Some even cried after seeing Gregory’s performance.

“We love you Dick Gregory,” said one female audience member.

 A man named Joe and his wife love Zanies for giving them good laughs every time they visit. They have been to Zanies seven to eight times and have never been disappointed.

“I liked how Dick Gregory was different from the other comedians,” said Joe. “He was slow sharing, not to mention we are talking about a legendary speaker. In his comedy talk, he challenges you to think and exposes you to something very different.”

                Soon after everyone stop clapping, fans gathered around Gregory to get an autograph or picture, shirt or book. He was happy to answer any questions a customer had, and people didn’t mind the wait.

One fan asked Gregory how he got his talent for comedy.

“How I developed my comedy is time,” said Gregory. “It’s like lifting weights; you keep doing it. You are funny, you just have to look in the mirror and practice.”

Audience members left with a smile, looking forward to returning soon for another Zanies comedy show. For more information about Zanies, visit http://www.nashville.zanies.com/.

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‘Nashville Art Crawl’ Spotlights Local Artists

By Suhaila El-Othman            

 NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Local and national artists showcased their artwork on Nov. 5 during the monthly “Nashville Art Crawl” in downtown Nashville.

            The Nashville Art Crawl is a free public event to the public that occurs the first Saturday of each month from 6-9 p.m. More than 20 galleries across the downtown area participate. Rymer Gallery and the numerous galleries that can be found upstairs in The Arcade on Fifth Ave. (also known as The Avenue of the Arts) are considered the centerpiece of the event.

            The Rymer Gallery is a 3,000-square-foot building with walls covered in art. It is home to a diverse community of exhibitions from various artists. The gallery features an intriguing sculpture by artist Buddy Jackson.

“I love Rymer”, said Nick, a frequent “art crawler”. “It’s me and my girlfriend’s favorite place to stop at first. There are always so many different beautiful inspiring pieces, and this sculpture of a man’s head and neck, it stands out you know. It’s different and exotic.”

Art at the Arcade which is upstairs, includes contemporary art galleries such as andy anh ha, “O” Gallery, and BelArt to name a few.  Among the many fascinating art galleries to choose from, a stop at the BelArt Gallery is inevitable.

 Marleen De Waele-De Bock, an artist originally from Belgium, is the woman responsible for all the artwork inside BelArt Gallery. DeBock currently lives in the Nashville area but has also traveled and lived in many other countries that have brought her inspiration.

“I went to art school in Belgium when I was 15, and attended for seven years,” DeBock said.

Inside BelArt Gallery is an array of exquisite and calming paintings that hold abstract backgrounds with vibrant colors that pop out to the eye just as much as the delicate texture. De Bock’s pieces hold depth as each painting tells a story.

De Bock’s artwork is also featured in five other galleries around Nashville including the leading contemporary art gallery, LeQuire Gallery. For more information on BelArt gallery or Marleen De Waele-De Bock, visit www.marleensartwork.com

For information on “Nashville Art Crawl” dates and other featured artists visit, http://www.nashvilledowntown.com/play/first-saturday-art-crawl

Historic Samurai Collection Is Here in Nashville Till Jan.16, 2017.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is presenting a historic samurai collections including weapons, armor, techniques and the Japanese way of life to the people of Nashville from Nov. 4, 2016 to Jan. 16, 2017.

The exhibition "Samurai: The Way of the Warrior” examines the traditions of this legendary class warrior, whose political dominance affected Japanese art and culture for nearly 700 years. The collection is drawn from the rich holdings of the Museo Stibbert, a museum primarily devoted to arms and armors in Florence, Italy.

“It is considered the largest museum in the world outside of Japan in samurai collection,” said Frist Center tour guide and teacher Keith McLusky.

 The exhibition features more than 90 different functional and decorative objects created between the 15th and 19th centuries, providing information and insights about the samurai's traditions, lifestyles, morals, culture and aesthetic code. The exhibition includes a mini-cinema room that displays a small part of the program, "Samurai and Cinema".

The selective collection includes up to nine full suits of armor, 12 expressive samurai helmets or so-called "Kabuto", and spectacular helmets or "Kawari Kabuto". While the samurai armor’s main function is to protect its wearer, it is also incredibly visually stunning, constructed from materials such as bearskin, silk, buffalo horns, and horsehair. The armors display the power, elegance and proudness of the individual samurai. The armors are usually displayed at home when they are not in use.

The sword of the samurai (Katana) is widely recognized and popular across the globe for its aesthetic design, cutting-edge technology, effort in its craftsmanship, and its performance. The katanas are not always the same. They vary in many sizes and designs and have their own purposes. However, the katana is not the only main weapon of the samurai. The long bow (Yumi) is also a very effective weapon of the samurai. The bow is incredibly tall, typically over 2 meters. Since the Yumi is not that much different from other types of long bows in other cultures, it is not as widely known as the katana.

The term samurai refers to elite warriors who played an important role in Japanese politics and society from the late 12th century until the mid-19th Century. The samurai is incredibly brave, courageous, honorable and loyal.

"Samurai are elite fighters, very well-trained,” said Keith McLusky. "They live to fight. Even if samurai don't fight anymore, they still train, wear uniform and armors, and get involved in civil life and politics. They will still display their armor and wear their uniforms at home to show that they are proud samurais, fighters."

The admission to the First Center is free for visitors that are 18 or younger and $12 for adults. College students with ID only need to pay $9. The Frist Center is open seven days a week on the following schedule: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; and 1 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information about the exhibit “Samurai: The way of the Warrior”, visit www.fristcenter.org/calender/detail/samurai-the-way-of-warrior.

Motlow State Community College Plans New Building

 By Trey Carter 

        SMYRNA, Tenn. – Motlow State Community College plans to add a third building to its Smyrna campus by spring 2019 that will offer more classes, programs and possibly a cafe space.

 Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Cheryl Hyland provided details for this new building. The college’s funding is awaiting approval from the Tennessee Board of Regents. If approved, the building will be built west of the Science and Applied Technology Building. Also, Motlow would be required to raise 10 percent of the total cost for the building.

“I am tremendously excited to be able to expand academic programs and service delivery to serve in the community,” said Hyland.

            Rapid growth of the Tennessee Promise scholarship program has created the need for new space on the Smyrna campus. Some 1,038 students are taking advantage of the two free years provided by the State of Tennessee, a 52.87 percent increase over fall 2015. By 2025, the number of Tennessee Promise students is projected to grow to include 895 more students.

However, Hyland said the proposed building is not a direct result of the Tennessee Promise scholarship. The third building was planned many years ago, with the original master plan laid out before the college opened a campus in Smyrna. The current campus has approximately 2,800 students.   

            The new building will be focused on providing more classrooms and labs for new or already existing programs. The school is looking to add a new nursing program and many classes to go along with it. While plans have not been finalized for what rooms will be included, there is discussion about adding an auditorium, an art room, a cafe, and more labs for science classes.

The school is in search of a restaurant to go inside the new building. The majority of students should be pleased with the inclusion of an outside food vendor.

            If all goes as scheduled, the new building will be expected to break ground in 2017. Once started, the building will take a projected 15 to 18 months to complete.

With a new building, the school will be required to expand the amount of parking spaces on campus. One new building with approximately 80,000 gross square feet must have 750 new parking spaces to accommodate students.

            “A new building sounds great,” said Austin Kraner, a Motlow student. “The campus will definitely need the space once new students come in.”

            For more information about Motlow State Community College, visit www.mscc.edu. 

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MTSU Presents ‘Peter Pan’ to Adoring Fans

By Constance Allen

MURFREESBORO, Tenn— Middle Tennessee State University theater students took the stage for an original production of “Peter Pan” at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Tucker Theater, drawing smiles and tears from children of all ages.

MTSU theater students presented the musical based on the play by playwright Sir J.M. Barrie. Originally directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, the musical was adapted for students, who performed and produced. The play consisted of two acts, with a 10-minute intermission.

"’Peter Pan’ pushed my students to think like real actors,” said Dr. Scott Boyd, theater professor at MTSU. “The play helped them to explore their inner creativity so that they could add their own flair to each character. This play has been done for centuries, and I’m very proud that my students could add to the success."

“Peter Pan” has many different stories. MTSU theater students took on the scenario of Peter Pan flying into Wendy Darling’s room and convincing Wendy and her siblings to come to Neverland with him. Jealous, the fairy Tinker Bell tries to sabotage them, but she is found out and temporarily banished for her efforts.

Directors of the Theater program at MTSU push the phrase "Creativity over Simplicity." MTSU has been recognized for having the most prestigious dance program in Tennessee.

 The cast member who played the notorious Tinker Bell, Tori Peterson, expressed how serious the directors are.

“I am not a dancer,” she said. “In this play, I was pushed and pushed to be the very best, although my position was in the back of the crowd. In the dance numbers, they focused on every move I made as if I was in the very front of the stage."   

Other main cast members in the play includes Wendy Darling played by Hayley Orozco, Mrs. Darling played by Hannah Ewing, Mr. Darling/Captain Hook played by Daniel Meeks, and Peter Pan played by Parker Chase.

Tucker Theater at MTSU will be hosting an upcoming play called “Joy of the Season” (Dec.9 - Jan.21). Tickets will be available online starting Dec. 1 2016. Individuals who enjoyed “Peter Pan” will definitely enjoy this next production.

For ticket and other information, visit http://mtsu.edu/tuckertheatre/index.php.

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Hillsboro High School Wins Playoff Football Game

By Tyler Nations

HILLSBORO, Tenn.— Hillboro High School dominated Stewarts Creek High School on the night of Nov. 4 in a high-scoring playoff football game, 41-7.

            The Hillboro Burros scored on their first possession on a long run by running back Tyler Neal. He found a seam and jetted through Stewarts Creek’s defense. As the game went on, Hillboro started to pull away from the Red Hawks. Neal scored the majority of the team’s points, earning four touchdowns.
            Hillsboro’s defense was just as strong as its offense, holding Stewart’s Creek to just seven points. It put pressure on Creek’s quarterback, sacking him five times and flushing him out of the pocket even more.
            Since it was a home game for Hillsboro, the stadium was packed. The crowd was electric, and one could tell they loved their hometown team. Every third down, the crowd would erupt. Every positive turning point in the game, fans leaped to their feet.
            As for the Red Hawks, they played hard but just could not match Hillsboro talent-wise. Coming into this game, they were missing players to injury, which showed. The backup players stepped up, but a lack of experience played a pivotal role. They came out to start the game strong, scoring on their first possession as well. Running back Zach Long took the handoff to the left side and punched it in at the goal line.
            One thing Stewarts Creek showed was heart, because even when the team was down, it kept fighting. Red Hawks fans did not disappoint either. Every play they made themselves known. When their team was down, they did all they could to help motivate it as a faithful fan base should.

          “We played hard, and it was a good year,” said Peyton Gardner, the kicker for Stewarts Creek.  “Expectations were exceeded, and we left it all on the field.”
              Before the game, both student sections ran onto the field to welcome their players. They had noise makers, and some students even threw baby powder in the air. After the teams broke through their banners, the bands started playing their cadences, and the students raced back to their seats. This helped build up suspense and excitement.
            After the game, families and friends went onto the field to meet up with their loved ones. Like any sporting event, there were tears from the losing team and laughter from the winning one.
           “It’s not exactly the way you want to go out as a senior,” Gardner said. “I am thankful I was able to play these past couple of years.”
            The Hillsboro Burros went on to face Independence High School the following week, but lost 42-20. Hillsboro finished with a 7-5 record, and Stewarts Creek finished with a 6-5 record.
            For more information on the game and the two schools, visit www.maxpreps.com.

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Cool Springs' Cars n' Coffee Hosts Biggest Event Yet

By Austin Mabe

            FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Thousands of car enthusiasts gathered for the annual Cars n’ Coffee event from 8-10:30 a.m. on Nov. 5 in Cool Spring’s Thoroughbred Theatre parking lot.

Cars n’ Coffee was started by a group of friends who own sports cars such as Porsches and Ferraris. Every Saturday, they would drive them after having coffee at Starbucks. They began meeting other people who loved driving their sports cars in the Franklin area, as well. They eagerly wanted to join in on the adrenaline-filled fun. As these weekend rides gained popularity, more and more people started calling to join as well.  

“Soon the crowd became too big for the local Starbucks,” said senior member Jonathan Price of Franklin.

Nevertheless, they all starting meeting at the Cool Springs Thoroughbred Theatre across the street from Starbucks after ordering their coffee in the drive-thru.

“The drive-thru line soon backed up to the main road, so most participants just went to the theatre parking lot instead,” Price said.  

Price, who owns a 2014 McLaren P1, said he loves to show it off. “It all got started by a group of close friends who owned sports cars and loved driving them”, Price said.

Franklin’s Justin Allison, who owns a 2013 Alpha 12 GTR, agrees. “I’ve been at least 230 mph on Highway 840 with this thing, “Allison said.

The cars they mentioned are nothing close to the cars one might see on the road today. The Alpha 12 GTR is capable of going as fast as 100 mph in less than six seconds, Allison added. The sports cars seen at Cars n’ Coffee are hard to forget. The owners keep the clean, tuned and ready to go so they can show them off as they please.

            The Cars n’ Coffee meet brought out over 1,000 sports cars and at least 2,000 observers on Nov. 5. The people in attendance are friendly and willing to talk about their cars to anyone curious enough to ask. The meets occur every Saturday from 8-10:30 a.m., with the first Saturday specializing in exotics. For more information about attending Cool Springs’ Cars n’ Coffee, visit http://www.carsandcoffeefinder.com/cool-springs/.

 

Pianist Encourages Others to Do Better in Life

By SkyQuajus Turner

SMYRNA, Tenn.— Denise Hurd has served as the pianist for Grace Missionary Baptist Church for many years, encouraging others to do better in their lives with a dance in their steps.

Hurd, age 55, grew up in the fast-growing town of Smyrna, Tennessee. She started playing piano at the age of 13 when her father enrolled her in a music program. After she started playing for a number of local churches, she became the official pianist for Grace Missionary Baptist Church at 127 Nora Peebles Lane. Now Hurd uses music to influence and build an individual’s relationship with God.

            Grace, which was founded with only three to seven members, has grown to more than 75 members in the last three years. Going through musicians left and right, Grace finally found a musician that would stay and help expand their knowledge in their spiritual beliefs in music. Everyone there is thankful for Denise Hurd.

            Her past performances have drawn standing ovations. The way she touches people’s hearts and minds as well as the stories she tells is an amazing experience. One can feel the warmth, comforting feeling when sitting down and listening to her sing as well as speak with spiritual knowledge. The pastor, Fred Warren, explains how hearing her sing is like getting a spiritual message from God himself. It encourages the audience in many ways. 

            “Music is a gift from God, not an invention from man himself,” said Warren, after a recent Hurd’s performance.

            As her performance started, one could tell that she had been singing for years. Hurd has a soft-spoken singing voice. It’s not too loud, yet not too quiet, one can hear every word clearly. She sings a high alto, but she can climb to a second soprano.

            She is backed up by several talented musicians: a drummer, lead guitarist, and a bass player.

            “All praise to the highest power, our God, for allowing me to be here and do what I do for his people,” said Hurd, after a recent performance.

            For more information about Grace Missionary Baptist Church, call (615)-481-7163

 

 

 

East Room Presents Local Band Cold Creeks

                                                                 By Jason Taggart

               NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Nashville-based indie rock band Cold Creeks performed a major turnout show at the East Room in Nashville on Nov. 12, drawing fans from across Middle Tennessee.

                Cold Creeks was founded in 2014 and is originally from Mount Juliet, Tennessee. The band also is considered a blues band. The band consists of bass player Caleb Jones, lead singer Brandon Murphy, drummer Anthony Persinger, and band manager Fletcher Moore.

 Cold Creeks competed in Lighting 100 FM’s “Live on the Green” contest. The band would have played at “Live on the Green” had it placed first. Members of the band said they will compete again next year. The band has also played at Main Street Bar and Grille in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and had an album release show for their album, “Mindful Spirits,” at Grimey’s New and Preloved Music in Nashville. The band recently announced that their newest EP, “Prequel,” is available in local record stores such as Grimey’s New and Preloved Music in Nashville, as well as online sites including iTunes.

                The East Room is nestled on a stretch of Gallatin Pike that serves as East Nashville’s main drag. This multi-use space routinely hosts rock concerts and pop-up art shows.

“It was one of the best turnouts we have ever had, and hopefully this doesn’t sound too bad, but I thoroughly enjoyed every band that played, and I usually can’t say that,” said lead singer Brandon Murphy.

                The show drew a big turnout, filling the room. Three different bands played the venue. The other bands were Cloudship and Chrome Pony, which opened for Cold Creeks. Whether the audience was there for Cold Creeks or not, everyone was having a blast.

The audience especially got “in the groove” when Cold Creeks played its new single, “Mr. Blue Face.” Another hit was their song, “Silver Tongue Apostles.” These songs were written and recorded by the band and can be found on Soundcloud, iTunes and Spotify.

The band is currently working on an unannounced new album that bass player Caleb Jones said “is on the hush-hush.” The band has no listed schedule but plans to do a tour in the near future.

                “I really like where this band is heading,” said band manager Fletcher Moore. “The gigs are getting bigger responses and audiences, so whether we make any money on some small gig like this or not, I am still happy.”

                Individuals can find more information on Cold Creeks at its website, http://www.coldcreeks.com/. To find Cold Creeks on Sound Cloud, Spotify, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, just type “Cold Creeks” in the search bar. Fans can support the band by buying music on ITunes, and to contact Cold Creeks, send an e-mail message to coldcreeks14@gmail.com/ or band Manager Fletcher Moore at fletchermoore1@gmail.com. 

Blackman Straight-A Student Receives Note with Racial Slur

     

                                                                 By Myia Jones

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.— The Middle Tennessee parents of a high school teen alerted Murfreesboro City Schools after their daughter received a note in her locker with a racial slur on Nov. 10 at Blackman High School.

            Alana Burton, the daughter of Nicole Hill and James Burton, found the graphic note in her locker. Alana is a biracial and straight-A student.

             Concerned for her safety, Alana did not attend school the next Friday.

            Her mother said she contacted the school administrators after the note was found. School officials investigating the issue said, there were no suspects at press time.

            School officials contacted Hills after she posted a picture of the note on her personal Facebook page. She was asked to take it down. A spokesperson for Murfreesboro City Schools confirmed WSMV-TV News Channel 4, that it was Assistant Principal who asked Hills to take down the post. He said they are reviewing security camera footage to catch the person responsible.

“We all deserve to be treated equal,” its 2016, Hill said, its 2016, and something has to change in the world of today.”  

"We take these matters seriously, and the school has investigated," said James Evans, communications and community relations coordinator for Rutherford County Schools, in a report aired. “Because the incident occurred in a locker room where there are no cameras, the perpetrator has not been identified. If they do identify who is responsible, that person will face severe disciplinary action”, Evans said.

According to the website www.findlaw.com, “Discrimination on the bases of race, color, and national origin is prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” Discrimination is a very serious issue and could make any person(s) feel insecure about who they are. Every day, there is someone going through this issue and don’t know how to handle it.

            In today’s times there are so any places and websites that are helpful to help a race or any kind. As people we all should come together and help each other on issues as this one. The Citizens Advice and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provide information about what one should do if they are discriminated against. Visit their websites at https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types and www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

YMCA Soccer Season Comes to an End

                                                                  By: Tyler Cobbs

            SMYRNA, Tenn.— The North Rutherford Family YMCA held its final game of the annual fall youth soccer program on Nov. 5, drawing dozens of children.

            The YMCA’s youth soccer league is for ages 3 to 10 and lasted from Aug. 22 to Nov. 5. The soccer league was split into two age groups: preschoolers ages 3 to 6 and grade-schoolers ages 7 to 10. The cost for registration is $55 for YMCA members and $65 for everyone else.

            Having fun, staying active, and learning how to play the beautiful game of soccer is what this program is about. It also brings a community of people together in favor of one goal: to teach their children good sportsmanship.

 “I really love the values and beliefs here at the YMCA and my 6-year-old daughter Isabelle loves it,” said Veronica Martinez. “She is always super excited to get out of school and go to practice.”

            Sports Director Grayson Hamilton, who is in charge of the soccer program is responsible for making everything run smoothly. He makes sure the teams have the same amount of time to practice, gets all of the jersey’s made for the teams before the season, and make sure the soccer fields are game ready each week.

Hamilton also coached two teams, one from each age group.

            The final match of the season was played at 10 a.m. on Nov. 5 between two of the preschool age group teams, Team Bullock and Team Gordon. The match was close, but very entertaining. It was a very warm day for it to be less than a month away from Thanksgiving, and the heat was clearly getting to the kids on the field. Hands were on hips and jerseys were soaked with sweat.

The YMCA staff and volunteers handled the heat very promptly by having multiple water breaks for the kids to prevent dehydration. The final score ended up in a 6 to 6 draw, with all of the kids involved receiving a medal and a cupcake afterwards.

            “My favorite part about our soccer program is that it brings people together,” said Gary Cobbs, the former executive director. “It also gives families a chance to get their kids into something active and healthy. You never know, this could open the door for a career for some kids.”       

            For information about the YMCA soccer program visit  www.soccer@ymcatnmid.org.

                                                                                                 

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Smyrna Defeats Lavergne in First High School Football Alumni Game

By Cornelius Frands

SMYRNA, Tenn. – Former football players for Smyrna and Lavergne high schools took the field for an alumni football game at Smyrna Robert L. Rakes Stadium on Nov. 5, with Smyrna winning, 16-14.

            In 1988, Smyrna High was split into Smyrna and Lavergne, causing a fierce rivalry between the two schools ever since.

 

            This was the first alumni football game Smyrna and Lavergne have ever participated in. Many fans packed the stadium eager and ready for kick-off. This game featured alumni players from the years of 1988-2015.  

The Smyrna Bulldogs received the ball first, leaving the Lavergne Wolverines left to defend. Smyrna’s former running back, P.J. Whitaker, scored the first three points with a field goal in the first three minutes of the game.

Former Smyrna wide receiver, Nick Smart, scored a touchdown right before halftime increasing the lead to 10 to nothing. The crowd went crazy wild in the stands. During the 12-minute half, there was a short performance by the 615 House of Dance School’s dance team.

Smart scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the kicker missed the extra point, giving the team six more points.

“It felt great to be back on the field again,” Smart said. “Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog.”

Former Lavergne running back Juju Wright scored a touchdown, giving the Wolverines seven points.

The Wolverine fought long and hard all game, and finally at 1:59 left to go, Lavergne scored another touchdown bumping the score up 16-14.

            The Bulldogs won the game, 16-14, sending the Wolverines home once again with their 30^th consecutive loss.

“This is the closest they’ve ever been to winning against us,” said Chelsea Wilkinson, a fan of the Bulldogs. “It’s been almost 30 years since they’ve beat us. They know their place.”

            For more information about the game, visit www.alumnifootballusa.com.

 

 

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Eagleville High School Basketball Opens Season with Scrimmage

By Chase Brown

 

            EAGLEVILLE, Tenn.—Eagleville High School Basketball opened its 2016-2017 season with a scrimmage against Page High School at the College Grove Rec Center on Nov. 12, with the Eagles falling to Page, 73-26.

            Eagleville Head Coach Joey Reed’s starting five was Guard Graham Hatcher, Center Ethan Cobb, Forward Austin Strickland, Guard Eric Hawks, and Guard Evan Rives. Page’s starting five was Guard Nick Burns, Guard Isaiah Forrest, Guard Joshua Ho, Forward Danyale James, and Center Darrien James.

“The crowd was really hype at the start of the game, which made it feel like a real game” Eagleville Caleb Brown said.

            The game tipped off at 7:15 p.m., with Page receiving the ball and completing a three-point shot. Eagleville was able to draw a quick foul, completing one of the two foul shots.

            The first quarter for the Eagles was a slow one. The Eagles struggled to make shots and finish layups. The team came out with great hustle though, as well as working together as a team. The quarter ended with Page on top, 14-3.

            The second quarter for Eagleville started out with Cobb hitting the basket for an easy layup, but Page didn’t let up. Page came out hot from the three-point line, knocking down three of four shots. Page stayed on top, 36-14.

            Both teams came out attacking at the start of the third. Eagleville knocked down a share of threes, and so did Page. The third quarter was the last quarter for the Eagleville starters. They were replaced by Guard Bryson Kelly, Guard Ivie Burns, Guard Austin Davenport, Guard James Burnett, and Center Chavalier Sutton. At the end of three, Page was on top, 46-24.

            Unfortunately, at the start if the forth, Page came out with a steal and was fouled on the layup. Page missed both free throws. Even though the Eagles were fighting for the lead, they played with good energy. The Junior Varsity came in and finished the game for the Eagles. The final score of the game was 73-26, with Page winning.

“I feel that we will have a successful season,” said Eagleville guard, Caleb Brown. “The team came out slow but going more into the year that won’t happen as much.”

For more information on Eagleville Basketball, visit http://eaglevilleschoolathletics.com/boys_basketball

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