Daily Archives: 08/16/2016
Gap Hill Church of God
SIX MILE — Gap Hill Church of God is celebrating its 70th Anniversary by working to pay off the church mortgage during 2016.
On Friday, Aug. 26, starting at 5 p.m., the church will host a Chinese auction to help the project.
The church invites the community to join at the Family Life Center for fun, food and fellowship.
This is a family event for all ages.
Gap Hill Church of God is located at 3540 Walhalla Highway in Six Mile.
Courier Letters to the Editor
Camp iRock provides help for families
Dear Editor,
I had a chance to visit Camp iRock toward the end of July. It is a combination school district-YMCA-United Way summer camp with the focus on reading improvement, serving 150 students countywide at Pickens, Chastain and West End elementary schools.
It is a mix of reading classes and summer camp activities to help rising second, third and fourth graders who are below grade level in reading. It was a Monday through Friday, eight-week program.
At Pickens Elementary, two were running the program day to day — Andrew Shipman (the instruction part, a teacher from Pickens Middle) and Josh Miller (the camp part, YMCA camp coordinator). The academic improvement was significant this summer, and the kids had a lot of fun.
I asked, how do you motivate these children who are thinking this is summer school? They said, we told them it is not summer school and showed them the camp side of it all to convince them. The first week there was no reading and no instruction, just camp. Thereafter, each morning was devoted to reading, improving research and writing skills and showing the kids how to fall in love with books. The afternoons are for camp activities like swimming at the YMCA, music, character building, soccer and field trips to places like the Greenville Zoo, Table Rock State Park and more.
I’ve long said, if a child doesn’t read well, it is more a social problem than an academic one. My children learned the building blocks of reading in school, but they became proficient reading with us at home. If that isn’t occurring, that’s a social problem and has to do with the relationship between the parent and child.
Camp iRock invests time with the parent-child relationship — how to work together to pick out books, read together at home, review and pick out a book’s themes, characters and information. Tips were sent home to parents to help reinforce what students are learning during the week. Plus there were family nights. It was all geared toward integrating parents as part of the child’s education team in order to build on gains after school restarts in August.
Bigger picture, the challenges we face with many students are beyond academic. These students face social and psychological obstacles that are inhibiting their learning. For instance, when Jayne comes into school crying her eyes out because her dad is MIA, her mom is on meth and she is being bumped from relative to relative, putting a newer Promethean Board in her class isn’t going to help.
We’ve improved the graduation rate from 71 percent to 82 percent. To capture an even higher percentage of students and get them to the graduation finish line, we must formulate broader and more comprehensive academic-clinical efforts with students and their families. Camp iRock provides one example of how this might work.
Alex Saitta
School board trustee
Pickens
In support of Saitta
Dear Editor,
It puzzles me why the nice young man is running against Alex Saitta for school board.
I believe him when he says what he wants is best for all the schools. So does Alex, and his record has shown that over the years.
Alex promised to speak up for the people, which he has. He promised to use the school district’s money more wisely, which he has. He promised to hold the school board accountable, which he and Henry Wilson have tried to do.
You would think a lot of people in Pickens County would have long noses from all the lies that have been told about Alex.
Some even say he should not be able to hold office because he is not from this area. Nikola Tesla was not even from America. When anyone flips on a light, they are glad a man from Eastern Europe came to the U.S.A.
Anyone who truly knows Alex, as I do, is glad he came to Pickens County.
Another thing — the woman running for District 5 in Easley said the woman going off the school board did a good job. Maybe for Easley, but not for the rest of the county — helping cause the loss of two great schools.
It would be great if the man wanting Alex’s seat on the board moved to Easley or Clemson and won one of those seats.
David F. Holcombe
Sunset
Declaration of SC BBQ Supremacy
Preamble — When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the culinary bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and preeminent station to which the Laws of BBQ and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to declare South Carolina’s BBQ Supremacy.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all BBQ is not created equal, that South Carolina BBQ is endowed by the Creator with certain unalienable Rights and Qualities, and that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of BBQ Perfection.
That to secure this exalted position, The S.C. Barbeque Association was instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the BBQ Eaters and Judges. That whenever any form of challenge to South Carolina’s BBQ Supremacy becomes destructive of the ends of honesty and good eating, it is the Right of the BBQ-eating People of South Carolina to alter or to abolish our relationship with other BBQ pretenders, and to institute a new Declaration of South Carolina BBQ Supremacy thus laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affirm and maintain this South Carolina BBQ Supremacy.
To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
Whereas, “A History of South Carolina Barbeque” by Lake E. High, Jr.(aka the BBQ Bible) is recognized by all rational, literate and discerning people as the one true, accurate, comprehensive and undisputed history of the origins of BBQ in South Carolina, America and the world, and
Whereas, said BBQ Bible has been established as a true, verifiable and documented historical fact that BBQ is a ‘gift of two civilizations’ with the native Indians providing the method of cooking meats slowly to endure tenderness combined with the pigs introduced in the New World by the Spanish, as the first, true and only method of cooking BBQ, and
Whereas, this method of cooking by native Indians was clearly, graphically and indubitably established by the drawings made by contemporary artist Jacques le Moyne in the 1500s, and
Whereas, the first Spanish colony to combine this indigenous Indian cooking method with imported pigs was at Santa Elena settlement in what is now Parris Island, South Carolina, in 1566 the then capital of Spanish Florida proclaimed by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, the first governor of Spanish Florida, and
Whereas, all BBQ pretenders who would falsely claim that there is such a thing as BBQ beef, chicken, goat, rabbit, alligator, lamb, turkey, possum or any other four or two legged creature that trod the earth or swim in the seas are guilty of the crime of BBQ Blasphemy as their spreading of falsehoods as to the origins and definition of BBQ is by its very nature false as it has been established that all true and authentic BBQ is and always will be ipso facto pork, and
Whereas, over the centuries of BBQ preparation in South Carolina, the chefs of the state have established the culinary hierarchy and traditions of BBQ sauces, basting and preparation to include in order of historic emergence to be vinegar and pepper, mustard, light tomato and heavy tomato, and
Whereas, since the origination of BBQ, the People of South Carolina have continued the improvement, expansion and promotion of BBQ such that today there are over 250 fine establishments in the state serving authentic BBQ and these said fine establishments are recognized and sanctioned by the State of South Carolina by inclusion on the Official BBQ Trail and Map, and
Whereas, the state of South Carolina has a diverse and vibrant culture of Competitive BBQ Cooking with dozens of official events and over 150 cooking teams that are officially sanctioned and presided over by Official Certified SC BBQ Judges as deemed trained and qualified by the S.C. Barbeque Association, therefore,
We the People of South Carolina, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name of and by Authority of the good People of the near Sovereign State of South Carolina solemnly publish and declare, That the State of South Carolina is, and of Right ought to be hereby Declared The One and Only True BBQ Capital of the World and that all intending and competing claims by any locale or collections of such are hereby deemed to be false, deceitful, untrue, erroneous, fanciful, fraudulent, fictitious, unfounded, specious, spurious, invalid, inaccurate, misleading and untrue.
And in support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Proclaimed, this the eighth day of August in the year of our Lord of two thousand and sixteen on behalf of and in the name of any and all South Carolinians, living, dead and unborn who have or will ever cook, eat or in any way partaken of said BBQ, regardless of sauce, from the Time of Origins in 1566 on St. Elena Island until today, and for future generations of South Carolinian’s to come, ad infinitum.
Phil Noble is a businessman in Charleston and a proud member of the S.C. Barbeque Association. His columns are distributed weekly by the S.C. Press Association. He can be reached at phil@philnoble.com.
Pickens Blue Flame
Trending upward
Leadership, health keys for Blue Flame to continue improvement
By Eugene Jolley
Courier Sports
ejolley@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Pickens coach John Boggs said this year’s team has two quarterbacks — one on offense and one on defense.
A key for the Blue Flame will be keeping those quarterbacks, as well as the other players, healthy and on the field.
Last season was one of improvement for the Blue Flame. For the team to repeat that, Pickens can little afford any key injuries.
The Blue Flame got better each week last season, won one more game than the previous season, and again made the state 3A playoffs, where they lost to Western 3A region champion Seneca.
“Really we’ve got two quarterbacks — one on offense and one on defense,” Boggs said. “Having Tanner Stegall on offense, he’s kind of the key of what we do offensively. He’s doing a really good job of seeing the field, throwing the ball and leading the offense.
“On the defensive side, Cole Seaborn, who has some back spasms right now, he’s our quarterback on defense. He was out here coaching his tail off tonight getting everybody in the right place (during a preseason scrimmage). That was good to see. You’ve got some good leadership in key positions on both sides of the ball.”
Stegall leads a group of five starters back on offense. Stegall passed for more than 1,100 yards last year with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Stegall has a big arm, evidenced by a deep scoring strike to Sam Lawson during a preseason scrimmage against Berea. Look for Stegall to throw more this season with three- and four-receiver sets.
Lawson is the leading receiver returning and will also start at one corner spot on defense. Senior Robert Jones, who has played tailback as well, will start at one receiver position along with Cole Stewart. Nate James also will contribute there, as will Daniel Hooper, Lenny Russell and Jamal Blythe. Newcomer Stone Prince will play tight end and also start at defensive end.
Senior Brandon Batson returns at tailback after rushing for more than 400 yards last year. Senior Kyle Day is battling him. Robert Jones and Jamal Blythe may also get some carries out of the backfield.
Two offensive linemen return — senior Dorian Butler at tackle and sophomore guard Braden Gravely. Butler missed the playoff game last season, but will enter as a three-year starter. Gravely started 10 games as a freshman.
“Having a couple of returnees on the offensive line helps,” Boggs said. “We still have some guys who are being tested up front — some young guys. They’re progressing nicely. They just have to continue to learn and continue to step up to the challenge.”
Junior Hudson Burgess, who missed last season with an injury, will start at center, while the right side of the line will be manned by guards Jerad Croley or Jake Gantt and tackles Kent Townsend or freshman Will Burgess.
“Whoever is playing the best is going to be there,” Boggs said of the right side of the line. “We’re rotating about three or four guys there, and whoever steps up there and No. 1 knows their assignments then No. 2 plays hard and physical is going to be the guy that plays the most.”
For the first time in a few years, a Gravely won’t be kicking at Pickens, as 2015 Shrine Bowl selection Matt Gravely is now at North Greenville, following in the footsteps of his brother, Justin. Right now, newcomer Dillon Banyard will kick, and either Stegall or Prince will handle the punting duties. Seaborn will snap and Lawson will hold on the kicks.
“Dillon has stepped in,” Boggs said. “I think Cole Seaborn recruited him and talked him into coming out. We have Harold Alexander, who is the best kicking coach in the world. He works with our punters and our kickers. He’s taking Stone Prince and worked with him at punter and has taken Dillon and worked with him at kicker. Harold takes those guys with average ability and can make them great. They listen and pay attention, and he will get them to where they need to be.”
On defense, Seaborn will return as a senior inside linebacker after leading the team in tackles a season ago. He will pair with junior Bryson Capps on the inside. They’ll be backed by sophomore Collin Hinkle and senior David McGaha. On the outside, Prince opens at one position, with senior Jared Pace on the opposite side. Russell and Kyle Day will back up for now at outside backer.
Three starters return in the secondary, with Jones at strong safety, Blythe at free safety and Lawson at cornerback. Jones picked off three passes last season. Isaiah Mitchell, a senior, is starting at one corner. They’ll be backed by Will Alexander, Nate Harris, Stewart, Ethan Mathis and Hooper.
No starters return on the defensive front, and Boggs is playing a lot of players there trying to hit the right combination. Senior Tanner Stewart returns and starts at one end position, flanked by junior nose tackle Yozvany Diaz and Townsend at end. Gantt, Butler and D.J. Whitlock battle at end. Inside, Hunter Galloway, senior Richie James and Braden Gravely are competing for playing time.
“We lost a lot of those guys up front — some really good players up front,” Boggs said. “That’s the thing we’re still working toward trying to get some more guys in there. Some of the guys on the offensive side will have to step in there and help us there in some key situations. I almost have to substitute like a basketball coach trying to keep everybody fresh.”
It’s been a good summer and preseason for Pickens, participating in several 7-on-7 and linemen competitions. The preseason had the Blue Flame playing J.L. Mann and Berea in a scrimmage in addition to a four-team scrimmage.
“We made progress from where we were (during a previous scrimmage),” Boggs said following a four-team scrimmage with Walhalla, Abbeville and Chesnee. “I feel like we have a long way to go to be ready for Friday. We’ll keep working. I was proud of the kids’ effort and I was proud of how physical they played. There were some really good football teams out here tonight, and I feel like we had a good test tonight and I feel they stepped up tonight, did a good job and responded well.”
Last year, Pickens only played about 24-25 players a game. This year, look for those numbers to go up, especially early.
“Intentionally, right now trying to get some guys evaluated and get them on film,” Boggs said of playing a lot of players. “And make some decisions on some guys. Scrimmage time is the best time to do that. We’re working toward an end. So even early in the year, we’re going to play a lot of kids. We look at it as they’re going to develop. When that season starts Friday, that starting lineup may not be the lineup the rest of the year. They’ve earned it, but they’ve got to keep it. As more guys develop and get better, hopefully they’ll be able to step in and play more as the year goes on.”
The non-region schedule is five games, but very similar to last season, adding Seneca and West-Oak to Pendleton, Liberty and the season opener with Easley.
This year, Pickens is moving to Region I-4A with Greenville, Daniel, Belton-Honea Path and Wren.
“It’s as tough as it gets with the people we have to play. Daniel, BHP, Wren and Greenville — that’s four good football teams,” Boggs said. “You have to be up every week and hopefully stay healthy and improve over the course of the year to be ready when the time gets here.”
That time begins Friday night, when the Blue Flame will play host to rival Easley in the annual Meals on Wheels Food Fight Bowl.
Liberty Red Devils
Experience reigns
Senior class bond, deep lines give Red Devils reason for excitement
By Jimmy Kirby
Courier Sports
jkirby@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — Liberty High School football coach Kyle Stewart is quick to respond when asked about the keys to success for his Red Devils in 2016.
Depth in the trenches and a core group of seniors who have played together for four years will be the primary components to the Devils reaching their goals, according to Stewart.
The Red Devils, Stewart said, are two-deep along the offensive line, with a few more who could gain playing time. This is a big key, as numbers have traditionally been low for Liberty teams and key players have had to pull double duty and play both offense and defense.
The Red Devils have 13 returning players who saw time on the offense last season. While the offense moved the ball well on the ground, Liberty had a tough time finding the end zone and only scored 13.4 points per game last season.
Nine returning players got reps last season and gained valuable experience on defense for Liberty. The Red Devil defense played well at times in 2015, giving up a manageable 21.3 points per game.
But Stewart believes that the strength of this team will be his core group of seniors, many of whom have played on the varsity squad for four years, who will lead the team in 2016.
Seth Dover, Nick Reeves, Austin Huey, Austin Miller, Aaron Bates, Shaun Karr, Breck Dismukes, Josh Shuman, Jacob Herman and Bo Felton will be the ones to set the standard with work ethic, encourage kids to pick it up at practice and show up for everything we do.
“They know what is expected, and I am excited to see the energy they bring,” Stewart said. “I have to say a lot less because they are speaking out and helping everyone to be better.”
Stewart said the group of seniors are close friends and spend a lot of time with each other on and off the field.
Running the ball will again be the forte for the Liberty offense. The Devils will see if they can improve on the 1,803 total yards rushing from 2015. They averaged 180 yards per game and four yards per carry — not a bad average when most teams stacked the box to stop the run.
Stewart said fans should expect the Red Devils to run out of the shotgun and also spread the field at times this season. He said they have done well at 7-on-7 events this summer. The Red Devils will take what the other team gives them and utilize both the pass and run at times, striving to be balanced.
Returning at quarterback will be Huey and Reeves. Both saw considerable action at times last season under center. Huey is more the runner, as he gained 221 yards on the ground in 2015. He will be the leading returning rusher for the Red Devils.
Reeves missed the first part of last season due to injury. He ended up completing 18 of 50 passes for 121 yards last season. With the continued experience, Stewart said that Reeves is smart and should be improved this season. Both he and Huey will see action at quarterback this season and should rotate after several series.
The running game will return four to five players from last season, along with several newcomers.
Cole Murphy, Cavaugio Butler, Kevon Tebron, Aaron Bates, 2015 transfer Jaylon Jenkins, Hunter Powell, Shaun Karr and Clay Lollis will all see action in the backfield for the Red Devils this season. It will be interesting to see who steps up. The team will also need someone to be the bull in the middle from the fullback position to gain those tough yards. Tyler Renaud was the workhorse last season, with 741 yards on 140 carries, leading the Red Devils in both categories.
Colton Leroy, Michael Spruill, Dover, Ethan Harris and Miller will see action at wide receiver for the Red Devils. The group has combined for only two varsity receptions, so the competition is wide open this season.
The offensive line will be key to opening holes and protecting Huey and Reeves if the Red Devils are to improve offensively in 2016. Felton, Lucas Bates, Dylon Phillips, Herman, Dusty Owens, JT Howard, Dawson Lovell, Josh Shuman, Dismukes and Zane Boozer will all see action on the offensive line.
On the defensive front, Stewart said Herman is hard to block and will create havoc on the field for opposing runners and quarterbacks. Dover will see some action on the line and has good technique and quickness.
“He fires his hands well,” Stewart said of the senior.
Aaron Bates returns at linebacker and is a returning all-region player. He ledd all linebackers in all-region voting.
“He is a sure tackler and has a nose for the football,” Stewart said.
Bates will be a key to the Red Devil defense. He led the team in tackles with 70 in 2015. He also had 11 tackles for loss and twi sacks.
Murphy will lead the secondary, as he accounted for 41 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks last season.
Many of the linemen and running backs listed already will make up the remainder of the defense for the Red Devils.
Huey will again take care of the punt duties for the Red Devils. He had a very respectable 36-yard punt average last season.
Austin Kemp will handle the kickoff and PAT duties this season. Stewart said Kemp wanted to learn to kick and has been working with folks at Furman University this summer in preparation to the start of the season. Stewart said Kemp has the ability to kick it deep to about the 5-yard line with height on his kicks. He will play a key role in field position for the Red Devils and keep the pressure off the defense.
Stewart is excited to have on board a new defensive coordinator, as Troy Bowe has moved over from Daniel to coach the Red Devil defense. He brings a wealth of knowledge and was a part of two state championships with the Lions.
Former Walhalla head coach Jeremy Grogan will also join the staff, coaching outside linebackers.
These additions will give Stewart depth in the coaching ranks that he has not had in the past.
Josh Smith will take over calling the offensive plays, and Johnny Dameron has moved up from the middle school to work with the running backs. Former Red Devil player Brady Autrey is working with the quarterbacks.
The Red Devils will play a lot of familiar teams this season. The biggest change is that they will be non-region opponents. Liberty will open the season on the road at Pendleton and Walhalla before returning home for three consecutive games and play county rival Pickens. They will also pick up an old foe in Blue Ridge, and then take on Powdersville.
They complete the non-region schedule with an away game against West-Oak on Sept. 23, an open date the following week and a trip to Crescent on Oct. 6.
The Red Devils then begin region play with the new region alignment that features only four teams that play football. They will travel to Abbeville and take on the Panthers and finish the season with home games against Ninety Six and Southside Christian.
There are a lot of questions to be answered this season for the Red Devils. By the time the season is finished, Stewart ought to know a lot more about what his group of players have to offer.
Easley Green Wave
Wave ready to roll
Numbers, expectations high for Easley entering 2016 season
By Rocky Nimmons
Publisher
rnimmons@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — Led by first-year head coach John Windham, the Easley Green Wave finished 2015 with a winning season at 6-5, but a 3-4 region finish forced the Wave to miss out on the Class 4A playoffs.
As a new year begins, expectations are high as Windham’s Green Wave have had more than 100 players working hard in the preseason, readying themselves for Friday night’s season opener at rival Pickens.
“We will dress about 60 on Friday nights,” Windham said early this week. “We have a good group. I am excited. We have had a great preseason.
“In football you only have 10 opportunities, so each week is like a season. You have to pour everything into it. Hopefully we can just pour ourselves into it and enjoy playing and get some good results from it,” he said.
The Wave will take the field in 2016 with more than 20 seniors, with most having already seen action at the varsity level.
“We’ve had good practices, and I’m pleased with everything we’ve been getting,” Windham said. “We’re looking forward to playing Pickens this Friday. We have a good class of seniors, and they’ve been working hard. A lot of them contributed last year as juniors. They’ve been providing a lot of good leadership and are doing a good job.”
Windham was able to keep his coaching staff intact through the offseason and even added three new coaches in Gary Wilkins, Jay Bagwell and Chris Stone.
“We kept everybody on staff. We did have a couple of new teacher and coaches come on board,” Windham said. “Gary Wilkins, who played over at Furman, came in to help with the defensive line. Jay Bagwell, who was at the middle school, is helping us and so is Chris Stone, who played at Clemson and Furman. I think they will make an impact. They are doing a good job.”
Perhaps the biggest difference the Easley team will face will be the new region line-up that all classifications will battle this season. Easley was moved up to the new 5A classification.
“It is exciting to be in the new 5A — it will be great competition,” Windham said. “South Carolina high football is so strong. Playing in its top division is challenging and exciting, for sure.”
The biggest difference for the Green Wave is that travel to away games has vastly diminished — no more going to Laurens or Greenwood. This year’s road games will see Easley traveling to Pickens, Daniel, Seneca, J.L. Mann and Westside.
“I think the original thing was the travel time and the distance between everybody,” Windham said. “It was done to make it so there was less travel for everybody. That will cut down on some of our travel time.
“But the new conference still has some good competition in it. We are looking forward to our new region, for sure.”
The Wave will still play some traditional rivalry games in the preseason.
“I know our guys, playing Pickens, Daniel, Wren and Seneca, those are all considered rival games. I think they will be fired up to play those guys,” Windham said.
With the new alignment allowing extra non-region games against Belton-Honea Path and Greenville, Windham added the Green Wave won’t have any walks in the park this season.
“You can’t overlook anybody — you have to play the best you can every game,” he said. “Hopefully when it is over, you have done enough to win the game. You want your team to play better and better each week, and when you get to the region games you are playing your best football.
“We scheduled some traditionally tough teams in the preseason. Some are the local area teams, but they are good teams. Our schedule is tough. We have some very good competition.”
Easley is starting the season with all of its key players healthy. Notable players to watch this year, according to Windham, include 6’0″, 185-pound running back Will Drawdy, 5’10″, 160-pound wide receiver Tyrese Bradley and 6’1″, 180-pound wide receiver/safety Sean-Thomas Faulkner. Windham pointed to 5’10″, 250-pound defensive tackle Craig Barksdale and 6’1″ and 218-pound middle linebacker Caleb Hill as keys defensively.
Windham said it will be business as usual for the Easley offensive and defensive units.
“You always lose some people in high school to graduation, but we have some guys back that have played a good bit in certain positions,” he said. “It is always a good mix when you have some veterans and young players.
“Everybody has to play well. Offensively, Tanner Semones, Luke Foster, Braydon King have to play well on the line. Bralan Fuller at wide receiver, and Will Drawdy and Eric Phillips in the backfield all have to step up. Our quarterback, Weston Black, is just sophomore, but Weston is doing well.”
Defensively, Windham said look for Faulkner to make an impact at safety.
“Up front we have Craig Barksdale, and Caleb Hill at linebacker all have had a really good preseason,” he said
Windham said the staff is still working on special teams and hoping to get some good work in this week.
“We are still trying to get that ironed out, for sure,” he said.
Windham said preseason performance is not always a reliable indicator of how a team will be by the end of the season, but he has high hopes for the Green Wave this year.
“I have had teams I thought were pretty good and they have not been,” he said. “Then other teams I didn’t and they just gelled and came together at just the right time. We have a chance to be a team that all the Easley faithful can be proud of.”
But as good coaches know, the atmosphere that his team plays in each Friday night is key to keeping the players excited and plays a big role. Only the Green Wave faithful fan can control that.
“It is huge to have a big crowd at the games to support you,” Windham said. “Easley is a football town. On Easley Friday nights we expect a big crowd. The support has been great. I hope it continues, and I am sure it will. It also feels good to be on the road and see all that green in the stands. I know I feel that way and I know the kids do.”
Windham is counting on his team bringing a workmanlike attitude into the season.
“I just see our kids competing hard and playing hard,” he said. “They will keep learning what they need to do, and that is really all you can ask. Just give your best, and that is what we ask of them every day. I feel confident that they are going to do that and that it results in some wins that they can enjoy.
“They just need to do their best and let the chips fall where they may.”
The chips will start falling this Friday night as the Wave head a few miles up the road to battle perennial rival Pickens in the annual Meals on Wheels Food Fight Bowl, and there will surely be plenty of green in Blue Flame Stadium to cheer on the big Green Machine.
D.W. Daniel Lions
Tradition continues
After Robinson leaves, familiar face takes the reins at Daniel
By Rocky Nimmons
Publisher
rnimmons@thepccourier.com
CENTRAL — With this year’s conference realignments, times are changing for almost every high school program in South Carolina, but at Daniel, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
After a disappointing season a year ago that saw the Lions post their first losing mark in nearly a decade, the normally stable Daniel program was shocked to see longtime head coach Randy Robinson step down to take the head coach position at Berkeley High in the Lowcountry. The move coupled with the latest S.C. High School League realignment that pushed the Lions to class 4A made it seem the landscape and culture of the Lion program was about to be turned on its ear.
Despite all the changes, though, came a strange calm, as administrators stepped up and stabilized the Lion program by passing the mantle of head coach to former Lion Jeff Fruster, who won a state title during his time in the blue and gold and served as defensive coordinator under Robinson.
The hire of Fruster meant the Daniel staff would remain almost entirely intact, and the Lions would not be forced to bear the burden of learning a new system under a new staff.
When the final classification realignment was decided, the Lions had indeed moved up to 4A. Several of their perennial rivals will also join them in what looks like a mini-Western 3A. The old Western 3A boasted eight teams, while the new Region I-4A has only five. But in those five are former region rivals Wren, Pickens and Belton-Honea Path, along with the Lions. Greenville, which also had stints in the Western 3A, will round out the new region.
The hire of Fruster was maybe the single most important decision in giving this group of Lions a legitimate chance at turning the events of the previous year around.
Fruster meant stability. Fruster meant tradition, and most of all Fruster meant that the head coach had lived the life, worn the golden helmet and had felt the pressure from the blue and gold sidelines. But most of all he had the respect that kept the Lions “all-in” with the tradition of greatness that is Daniel High School football.
“There is a lot that goes into the position,” Fruster said recently. “I felt like I was shown the right direction, but there always going to be some things that you are going to encounter that are unexpected. There are some things that go on behind the scenes that you didn’t know was going on.
“With that being said, I have encountered some hills, but no mountains thus far.”
Fruster was lucky enough in his career both as a player and as a coach to work with two of the most successful head coaches in Daniel history in Allen Sitterle and Robinson.
“It has been big for me to have so much tutelage from both Allen Sitterle and Randy Robinson,” Fruster said. “Daniel was successful before Sitterle, but it really took off when he got here. Randy came up under his regime, and that is kind of how he learned a lot of the facets that made him successful.
“I played under Sitterle and learned from him, and then I coached under Robinson as he did Sitterle, so it is almost like a progression. One learned from one and then one learned from the other. Hopefully that is something that will just continue on here at Daniel,” Fruster said.
Fruster said getting the head coaching job was definitely a dream that he didn’t know could come to fruition.
“Once I got into the program as a coach, I was all about making my position group the best,” he said. “That naturally led to me wanting to be the best coach on the staff. Once I felt I was kind of accomplishing these goals of mine, being the head of a program was next. More than anything, I wanted to see the program stay within the family. I feel that is what the people in our community want to see. They want people they know care about their kids and understand their background.”
The Lions will enter the 2016 season with only 14 seniors, but with several who started last season. The Lions’ underclassmen, though, are a deep group with talent galore all around the field.
“I am always going to be high on the senior class,” Fruster said. “Those are the guys you are going to have to lean on and the ones you put the most work into. Kids tend to follow other kids, so we place a lot of importance on our senior class. I feel as comfortable with this senior class as I have with any other that has come through Daniel. You have to understand when it is your first one, you tend to put a little more importance on them. I am pleased with them. They have shown a high level of dedication, good leadership and good work ethic.”
Defensively, nose tackle Miles “Boogie” Turmon is the Lions’ man in the middle. Turmon is a load to handle, and Daniel is glad to have him, Fruster said.
“The defense is going to kind of go as he goes,” he said.
Daniel will also depend on senior wide receiver Will Swinney, son of Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, to provide leadership.
“He will keep us on an even keel and see the things we need to be seeing,” Fruster said.
Fruster said he is also interested to see the kind of year Malik Watts has at cornerback.
“He has had a lot of good quarters to pattern his behavior around over the past couple of years. I don’t think we have ever had a run of players in the secondary that we have over the last several years,” Fruster said.
The Lions will feature a true dual threat at quarterback in junior Ben Batson.
“You have a kid that can make just about every throw and can also improvise and make plays with his feet,” Fruster said. “I think that is going to be the main thing you notice.
“Ben has come a long way. We always knew he was talented. We just tried to mold him to fit our system. This will be the first year you will get to see that showcase his talent with this being his junior year. Hopefully he will be able to be successful and stay healthy.”
Fruster is excited about hte Lions’ wide receiving corps.
“We have little group of skill position kids that I think will open up the offense,” he said. “As an offense we always look to be balanced, but you will probably see more skill position kids on the field than normal.”
Fruster’s hiring allowed the staff to stay mostly intact after Robinson’s departure.
“There were not many changes,” he said. “There were a few that were shuffled around and saw their positions go up, and there were a few that we had to bring on.”
With the elevation of Fruster and the departure of Robinson, the coaches calling the plays have changed. This season the Lions will feature dual offensive coordinators in Nathan Swords and former Lion Jamie Wilson. Fellow Daniel graduate Kirk Ellison will be the Lions’ new defensive coordinator, taking Fruster’s old spot on the staff.
Also joining the staff are Danny Burk, David Weathers and Blake Workman, who formerly coached at Blythewood, Broome and Anderson Christian, respectively. In addition, former Daniel Shrine Bowler Jerrodd Williams, who played in college at both Virginia Tech and Clemson, will be helping coach the secondary.
“I was fortunate enough to hire two really good teachers for the classroom, not just good football coaches, because I feel that is so very important,” Fruster said. “We want good people around all our athletes, no matter the sport. We also have some really great volunteers. I always want to be a proponent of Daniel kids coming back to Daniel to help out.”
The Lions’ schedule is ripe with old foes and some new opponents. First up in week zero will be new foe Berkeley High School, which will be coming to Singleton Field with Randy Robinson at the helm.
“I would not want to place too much on that being a big game,” Fruster said. “It will be a chance to catch up. It will be good to share a conversation about how our paths have changed these past couple of months.
“As far as my team is concerned, Berkley is just the first opponent we will face. There is no revenge there. Coach Robinson made a decision that was best for him and his family, and I thank Daniel for making the decision that was best for me and my family. There is no bad blood. We just hope it will be a highly competitive game that everybody comes out to watch.”
When Region I-4A play finally starts in week six, the Lions will have to be ready to play.
“We missed 3A by three students. It kind of reminds me of when Daniel was really a 2A school and chose to play up to 3A, because they were aggressive and could compete at that higher level,” Fruster said. “Even though this time we did not choose to compete at the higher level, I think in the long run that is going to help us. 4A is going to be packed with all the horses, and that is who you want to play against so you can see what kind of team you’ve got.”
But the opponents will be no strangers to the Columbia Blue and Gold.
“Wren has been a great opponent for us. We have had our run-ins with Greenville in the past, and it is no secret that probably in the last 20 years it has been us or Belton-Honea Path as far as region winners. When you think about continued success you have to think about the Bears and the Lions. As long as we stay associated with BHP, we are going to be OK,” Fruster said.
Each of the region matchups seems to be an old rivalry for hte Lions.
“I am starting to think we are everybody’s rival. I don’t know if that is good or bad,” Fruster said. “But I guarantee you Daniel is a game other teams circle on their calendar. I have heard that on numerous occasions. We take the one-game-at-a-time approach. I don’t want the kids to view any one game as more important that another. In my mind, you’ve got to try to win them all.
“Regionally, Pickens is so close to Six Mile that I can see how there is some competiveness. That is no different than what it is like with Seneca for our Clemson kids. The more rivals, the better.”
The outlook for this year’s squad is the challenge to let the memories of last year’s losing campaign fade and focus on the future.
“I can’t say the team has forgotten, but I do know me and my staff have not forgotten, Fruster said. “I will say it is not something we harp on. Each individual class has their own characteristics. The last thing we want to do is hold the next class accountable for what the last class did. We do a fairly good job of taking the next game approach or the next season approach.
“It is something as a coach you never want to have — a losing season. There were a lot of factors that went into why last season turned out the way it did. I think a lot of those factors will not be present this year. I think morale is real high, and the kids are excited about the change, so it is something that we as team will try to ensure doesn’t happen again.”
Fruster said this team differs from teams of the past that featured standout players you couldn’t miss.
The Lions have shifted into a group of good athletes who play great together, Fruster said, adding this season they will not necessarily have a single go-to guy to get them out of a jam. The coaches have let a number of guys shoulder the load and are not putting a lot of pressure on any one athlete.
Defensively, Daniel will feature a good mix of size and speed on the field.
“When we need a high mix of skill people we will have that, and when we need big bodies to plugs holes we will have that, too,” Fruster said. “I think this defensive unit will be comparable to any defense I have ever coached here. At Daniel, that is what we pride ourselves on. We want to stop people. That is something that will continue to get preached to this defense.”
Fruster said the strengths of his team in 2016 will be enthusiasm, work ethic and attention to detail.
“I am pleased that these kids try to do the little thing right,” he said. “Our weaknesses are overall athleticism and a little bit of experience. We have good kids, but some have not proved it at the varsity level.
“We hope to surprise a few people with our size. Our offensive line, on average, will be quite larger than what we have seen in the recent past. We have always had one or two, but this year we have could have six or seven. Controlling the line of scrimmage is huge. We want to control the trenches.”
Fruster is also looking for some special plays from sophomore running back Kiandre Sims, who he said does a good job catching out of the backfield.
“I would keep my eye on him as the season progresses,” he said.
Fruster also boasted about the incredible fan support the Lion faithful always bring.
“I think it is huge to get the fans to come out and support the kids,” he said. “If we have our fans in the stands, it makes it rough on the other team. I hope our fans understand the impact they have on the game. The fans showing up on Friday night may be the difference in winning and losing. We encourage our fans to come out and whoop and holler and create a tough atmosphere for the opposing team.”
The season starts this Friday night, when Robinson and the Stags visit Singleton Field. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Pickens hosts alumni volleyball match
Andrea Glenn Bright/photo
The annual PHS Volleyball Alumni Match was played on Aug. 5. The alumni put together a strong team, giving the Lady Blue Flame a great scrimmage. Pickens will open the regular season at T.L. Hanna on Aug. 23.
Number One Volleyball Camp a success again
PICKENS — Nearly 60 girls entering grades 5-9 participated in the 22nd annual Number One Volleyball Camp Aug. 1-4 at the Pickens Recreation Center.
Thirty-three 5th-6th graders and 24 7th-9th graders took part in the event directed by former Pickens High coach Peggy Anthony. With the 18 2nd-4th graders who participated earlier in July, the total for the camp at Pickens reached 75.
“Volleyball in Pickens and the surrounding area continues to grow and grow,” Anthony said. “It’s just awesome.”
The 22nd annual Number One Volleyball Camp was held Aug. 1-4 at the Pickens Recreation Center. Pictured are the girls who participated in the event.
Following stretching and fun warm-up activities, the campers were put through a variety of stations and drills that encompassed movement patterns, fundamental skills, competitions, team concepts, 4-on-4 play and 6-on-6 matches. Instructors for the younger group that met in the morning were Anthony, longtime assistant coach Katie Gowan, former Woodmont star Annika Jones, who will be setting at SWU this fall, and Dacusville Middle School coach Rikki Owens, who played collegiately at Presbyterian College. The older group who met in the afternoon were trained by Anthony, Gowan, Jones, former Easley standout and current Carolina One Volleyball Club coach Sam Bailey and current Pickens standout senior setter Karlee Underhill.
“Our staff did a fantastic job again this year, and I appreciate their love of kids, volleyball expertise, enthusiasm and passion for the game,” Anthony said. “We all enjoyed coaching this year’s campers. They were very cooperative, hard-working and improved each day. I want to thank all our campers and staff members for their efforts in making the camp a success. I also want to thank Cheri Anthony, Heidi Covey, the Pickens County Courier and the Pickens Sentinel for their support.”
Following the camp an awards ceremony was held. Award recipients at camp were as follows. Bumping Champion: Molly Harris (5th-6th) and Ali Pace (7th-9th); Setting Champion: Ivy Freeman (5th-6th) and Ali Pace (7th-9th); 4-on-4 Champions: “Fire” — Amber Chapman, Makayla Konduros, Eliana Hollington, and Emily Belcher (5th-6th) and “The Ballers” — Tamara Boysworth, Ansley Reid, Amber Chapman, and Hailey Russell (7th-9th); 6-on-6 Champions: “Fast & Furious” — Ella Sudbeck, Miracle Russell, Lucy Bryant, Karlyn Holcombe, Molly Harris & Emily Edwards (5th-6th) and “Sam’s Angels” — Josey Zercher, Shelby Parvis, Gracie Owens, Alaina Craigo, Tamara Boysworth, Madison May and Ali Pace (7th-9th); All-Stars: Amber Chapman, Ivy Freeman, Molly Harris, Makayla Konduros, Daileigh Pilgrim, Emily Edwards, and Karlyn Holcombe (5th-6th), and Ali Pace, Calie Covey, Kayla Oberstar, Shelby Parvis, Anzley Parmer, Alaino Craigo and Nevaeh Harder (7th-9th); Leadership Award: Jayden Harden (5th-6th); Coaches’ Award: Aubrey Richardson & Jase Murphy, (5th-6th) and Ansley Reid and Caroline Lucus (7th-9th); (Most Improved; Amber Morris (5th-6th) & Gracie Owens (7th-9th); Hardest Worker: Ivy Freeman (5th-6th) and Ali Pace (7th-9th); Most Outstanding Player: Amber Chapman (5th-6th) and Calie Covey (7th-9th).
State, local elected officials to meet every 5th Monday
COUNTY — After the June primaries, the state delegation had a productive meeting with the county council-elect.
Now those involved wish to make it a regularly scheduled meeting.
Their vision is that the state delegation, county council, sheriff, and school board meet on a regular basis — every fifth Monday.
City and town council members are always invited, but especially when the meeting is in that particular municipality, as it will rotate locations. The university presidents and chambers of commerce will also be invited. The public and press will be invited as well, but there will be no public comment.
For the Aug. 29 meeting, 13 of the 17 elected officials have already confirmed. The group will be meeting in Easley, so Easley mayor Larry Bagwell and city council members are specifically invited. The vision is for town officials to ask questions of the school board, county officials can discuss a state issue, etc.
Fifth Monday schedule:
Monday, Aug. 29, noon-1:30 p.m. at Carr Center at West End Hall, 201 S. 5th St., Easley
Monday, Oct. 31, noon-1:30 p.m. in Clemson (site TBD)
Monday, Jan. 30, noon-1:30 p.m. in Central (site TBD)
Monday, May 29, noon-1:30 p.m. in Pickens (site TBD)
Monday, July 31, noon-1:30 p.m. in Pickens or Liberty (site TBD)
Monday, Oct. 30, noon-1:30 p.m. in Liberty or Norris (site TBD)
