New Horizons at the Net: Change Brings New Promise to Lowndes High Tennis
by Todd Clements • photography by Todd Clements

Coming off a mediocre 2010 season, the Lowndes High boys and girls tennis teams have benefited from the addition of talented new personnel to their rosters.  These fresh players complement a hub of strong upperclassmen athletes to inspire optimism in the overall program for Lowndes tennis fans.

On the boys’ side, Edward Fazylov, a new student from Russia, has created quite a buzz and assures the team will be very competitive.  Lowndes also boasts one of the best freshmen groups seen in years, some of whom have worked their way into key positions in the starting rotation.  The number-one singles spot for the 2011 girls team has been secured by Taylor Vinge, an outstanding freshman who promises to bring excitement to the courts.  Both the boys and the girls will also rely on strong senior leadership from players like Drew Parker and Ansleigh Young to set the tone for new players and solidify the team.  The potential Lowndes has shown has head coach Heath Phelps excited about the possibilities for Lowndes tennis.  

“I have high expectations for both teams this season,” Phelps said.  “We failed to make the playoffs the last two seasons, so that was the first goal I set for the team this year.  We were Final Four contenders in 2008 and have been looking for a chance to make another run in the playoffs. Our players are really fired up this year and seem to be playing well together, so I feel like we will have some success.  One of our best attributes this season is the performance of our ninth-graders.  This is the largest and most talented group of freshmen boys and girls that I’ve ever coached.  They are competitive and hardworking.  They respond well to adversity and have rekindled a fire in some of our upperclassmen for them to pick up their game.  The upperclassmen have seen that they can’t take their spots for granted or become complacent in their abilities.  A lot of young talent tends to improve a program all around because it promotes competition and allows you to plan for the future.  Seeing how strong this freshmen bunch is has also motivated me to put a lot more energy into rebuilding the program.  If we continue to get better, we should be able to expect great things out of this group in the future.”  

Many Lowndes High players confirmed the positive impact new talent has had on the team.  While some upperclassmen might be expected to feel insecure about the threat posed by a large number of good players, Lowndes’s team encourages a family atmosphere where the players support each other and try to stay more focused on team goals rather than individual success.  Several of the team’s seniors were excited about the new energy.  

“The last couple years we simply didn’t have the talent to compete,” Parker says.  “This year has been different.  Everyone is working hard and we’re all really focused on being better.  I try to have high expectations for us every season, but this is the best that I’ve seen our team since my freshmen year when we went to the final four.  We are at least as good as we were then, so I expect us to make the postseason and do well.  It would be great if I could end my senior year with a region championship and a good showing in the playoffs.  That’s what is important to me.”  

Parker currently holds the number-one spot for boys singles, but he faces regular challenges from some new teammates.  The United States has absorbed a wave of young, European athletes looking to make a future for themselves in American high schools and universities.  Though Parker has been able to hold his spot in the rotation, Fazylov’s presence has strengthened the team and provided outstanding competition between the number-one and number-two spots.

Fazylov has been enjoying South Georgia and making the most of his opportunities to play tennis.  He seems at home among the other Lowndes players as they talk and joke off the court, even though his mastery of English isn’t quite perfect. Fazylov believes he is a good fit with the team. When he takes the court, spectators and competitors alike immediately notice his passion for the game and his skills as a competitor.  Among the many things he likes about his new life in Georgia, Fazylov is most outspoken about the weather. “The weather is good all year and there are lots of places for tennis any time you want,” Fazylov says.  “There is no bad weather to keep you from playing and I try to play all the time.  Just tell me let’s go and I play.”  

Fazylov refused to make any predictions about his success this season or his future at Lowndes. “I have expectations but I don’t worry about it,” he says. “I just want to play well and get better.  If I do that, everything should be fine.” He was a little more open about his work ethic. “It doesn’t matter where you are. Being a good tennis player requires lots of work. I want to be good so I like how we practice a lot at Lowndes.  Only practice makes your game better. We work hard, but we will play better.”

Fazylov played tennis competitively in Russia for 10 years before moving to America, hoping to win a scholarship to an American university.  He claims he is always looking for new challenges and better players to help him improve his game. Phelps has worked with him for a few weeks and is pleased with the impact Fazylov has had on the team.  

“The addition of a player like Edward can only help the team,” Phelps says.  “Not only does it increase the depth of the lineup, but it boosts the competitive atmosphere at practice.  He is an intense player, and that attitude has been contagious to some of our other players.  Some of our returning singles players like Drew Parker and Chase Miley have really accelerated their level of play since his arrival.”  

Parker reiterated the significance of a player like Fazylov. “If anything, he has heightened my game,” Parker says.  “We go back and forth, and he’s a great competitor.  I like playing against him and he’s good for the team.”  

Parker is doing his part to give the team added success.  He worked hard in the offseason to improve his conditioning and raise his game. Though plagued at times by foot injuries, he is capable of having his best year yet.  He is unsure if there is a future for him in college tennis, but he is committed to finishing his high school experience on a high note and pushing his team to accomplish its goals.  Parker plans to attend the University of Mississippi and claims that he may try out as a walk on if he doesn’t have any more injuries.  

“It’s been a blessing to make the friends I have made at Lowndes and to play with some of the talented players I have for these past four years,” Parker says. “Our community just seems to breed talent and it’s scary to see how good some of the younger kids are. I just want to do my part to set the tone and instill in the guys that they have the ability to do anything that they want to accomplish.”

The story is not much different for the girls team, where several underclassmen are pushing the level of competition.  Most noticeably is the arrival of Vinge, a talented freshman who hit the ground running and took over the number-one varsity spot. “She definitely has the talent to be successful on the varsity level,” Phelps says.  “There are always a few concerns when you put freshmen into the starting lineup, but she has the potential to make a name for herself if she keeps getting better.”  

Vinge seems unaffected after being thrust into the spotlight halfway through her first year in high school. “Of course there is some pressure because of my age, but the pressure encourages me to do my best and help my teammates,” she says.  “I’m very excited about the opportunity to play in the number-one singles spot and I hope I do well.  The only thing that makes me nervous is that I’m new and I want to impress my coaches and fellow players.  I have a pushy attitude, and I push myself to the limits when it comes to tennis.  I always expect to win, even when it’s likely that I won’t.  I’m just hoping to do my best this year and help the team go on to victory.  It’s exciting to think about the opportunities that I have ahead of me and all the things I could accomplish in the next few years.”  

Young, a senior playing in the girls number-two spot, compliments the way the Lowndes team has adjusted to the new people on the team and built on their strengths. “I think the freshmen are the best thing about this year’s team,” Young says.  “They show a lot of potential and I believe they could even help us go that extra mile and make state.  They have made the dynamic of our team more competitive and they definitely will help us. As a senior, it is my job to be a leader for the team, support my teammates, and set the tone with confidence. That is why I think Lowndes offers such a great tennis experience.  We are not only a team, but a family.  We want to make each other better and see each other do well.”         

Vinge appreciates the unity on the team. “Everyone has been so supportive and I feel like a welcome part of the team,” she says. “The older girls have accepted me without any problems and I am grateful for that.”    

When Vinge is not involved in tennis at Lowndes, she plays in local tournaments and trains with coach Leos Jelinek, a former All-American from Valdosta State University.  She credits her commitment to lessons and training for developing her skills at such a young age.  Vinge says she tries to play at least five days a week and conditions by running and doing footwork drills.  She also credits her grandfather and mother for supporting her and pushing her interest in tennis.  

Vinge hopes her experience at Lowndes will improve her game further and notes that her high school coaches have already improved her game. “Coach Phelps is good about teaching me fundamentals and improving my technique,” Vinge says.  “I like the way he runs practices and pushes us to get better.  He also encourages me a lot when I’m playing.  He is a good motivator and he never lets me get down on myself during tough matches.”  

With the season now underway, Lowndes can only hope to live up to its own expectations for 2011.  The skills of the freshman class have already demonstrated some potency in the region.  The junior varsity girls have posted a 9-0 record and claimed first place in the Coffee High JV Jam tournament.  The junior varsity boys were 7-1 and put up a strong second-place finish in the boys division of the JV Jam.  At the varsity level, Lowndes hoped several early victories would set a precedent for matches and seasons to come as its newfound talent continues to develop.  Regardless of the final standings in the wins and losses columns, Lowndes fans can share some satisfaction in the fact that the tennis program has reestablished itself as a competitive force in Region 1-AAAAA, and will likely earn the chance to make the playoffs to again test their skills against the best in Georgia.

A Winning Attitude
by Todd Clements

Many players in Zac Freeman’s shoes would have trouble being humble. Before his senior season started, Freeman had already signed a baseball scholarship with the University of Georgia and had been courted by numerous other Division I schools. He began appearing in scouting reports after winning a spot on the Lowndes roster as a sophomore and going on to hit over .400 for the season. Batting left-handed and throwing right, Freeman draws attention for his abilities at the plate, on the bases and in the outfield. Not one to bask in the spotlight of his accomplishments, Freeman modestly defers to his team and other influential people in his life.  

“Being a team player comes first,” Freeman says. “A team doesn’t work when it has cliques or selfish players on it. There’s a lot going on right now, but I want to stay focused and do my best. We’ve got a good senior class and everybody has been working hard to get better. Our region is pretty tough and the bar has been set high for us. This year, it already feels like a stronger team, and I hope it’s going to be a good year for us.”

The Vikings anticipate a challenging season and will look to its senior leaders to bring success in 2011.  But challenges are a big part of why Lowndes High produces many athletes who are ready for the next level. “We play a schedule that is demanding against some of the best high school baseball programs in Georgia, Florida and Alabama,” head coach Danny Redshaw says. “We always have high expectations. Our goal, as always, is to win the region title and compete for the state championship.” Indicating that he expects his team to be very competitive this year, Redshaw expands on the advantages offered by the Vikings program. “We have an outstanding coaching staff and our facilities are comparable with anyone in the Southeast,” he says. “The exposure that players receive is huge and the opportunity to play at the next level is available.”

Freeman agrees that Lowndes offers a unique opportunity and says that his family and community also deserve credit for his success. “My dad and older brothers all played baseball, so I was sort of born into it,” Freeman reflects. “There were lots of people who encouraged me to play when I was younger, but I was also taught to have a good attitude.  From my little league coach, Kirk Thomas, to Coach Redshaw, my coaches have all taught me the importance of hard work. My brothers are always pushing me to do well and my mom stays after me about my grades. I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to be successful.

“When you go other places [alluding to an exhibition game he recently played in Oklahoma], some of the guys have spent a lot of money on training camps and private coaches. They try to act like they are better than everybody else. The people around here are down to earth and it feels like there is better support from the community pushing everyone to get better.  More emphasis is put on group practice, teamwork and passion for the game. We learn to work together and there is a brotherhood that you won’t find in a lot of places. I think it makes us more committed to working toward our goals.”

Freeman’s work ethic is undeniable. He works out in the weight room every day and spends almost every afternoon working on his hitting and throwing. In the last few months, he intentionally added weight to his frame and started a variety of conditioning activities to prepare for the season. He is no slouch in the classroom either. Freeman has a 3.6 grade point average and says he is looking forward to receiving a good college education.

“I’m on their time and they are paying for my education,” Freeman concedes. “It’s exciting to think about going off to college in Athens and meeting new people, but I doubt I’ll have much of a social life. I’d like to study sports medicine or something related to it and I want to make sure I leave college with a good degree.  Even if I get offered some chance to play at the next level, I want my education to come first.”

Freeman believes that his early commitment to UGA will improve his play in 2011. “It takes the pressure off,” Freeman says. “I can just play the game and have fun without worrying about impressing people. I can be more focused on doing what I need to do.”

The 2011 season will allow Freeman to hone his skills against some distinguished opponents. The Vikings face early matchups against Hoover (Alabama), Pace (Florida) and Ponte Vedra (Florida). Region play will incur the usual showdown of 1-AAAAA talent, including a chance to butt heads with crosstown rival Valdosta. Freeman says he is excited about the season ahead but he wants to avoid the spotlight when the season starts.

“The extra attention just gives the guys something to mess with me about,” he admits.  “We have a lot of good players so we don’t let anyone get a big head.  I want to do my part but there are a lot of players who could show up and have a great year… Seth Evans, for example, is the kind of guy who makes big plays when you need one.  Caleb Thomas is looking to step up for us on the mound and lead the defense.  Clint Parker is a good ball player and a natural team leader.  And Tyler Hunter always hits the ball well.  It’s really about how well the team comes together when the season starts.”

Regarding concerns that he may be asked to switch positions in the field or lineup, Freeman does not make predictions concerning his role in the upcoming season. “I like centerfield, but I’ve played other positions and I’m willing to play wherever my coaches want me. I feel the same about hitting. I’ve been a leadoff before and I’ve hit third and cleanup. As long as I am in the lineup, I’m going to try to help my team score.”

Coach Redshaw adds, “Zac will be fine if does what he has done the past two years. As a senior, we do expect him to take more of a leadership role on and off the field. But that shouldn't be a problem for him. He is a tremendously talented athlete with a bright future. He has the work ethic and the love for competition that will serve him well when he continues his playing career in the SEC next year.”

Focus on Tré Jackson
by Ashley Royal and Haley Tolbert • photography by Ashley Royal

"I am not the type of person who gives up. If I mess up, I have enough heart to try it again,” says Lowndes High freshman Tré Jackson.

This year Jackson will take on the challenge of playing on the junior varsity and varsity teams. He was the only freshman chosen to play for the varsity team this year. Georgia High School Association regulations limit football players to six quarters per week, so Jackson will be dividing time between his two teams. Jackson is heading into the season with a lot of promise and plans to go far.

Jackson says, "My ‘big brother’ Darriet Perry is my inspiration. He also played on varsity his freshman year and he has trained me."
Perry was a Vikings running back until he graduated in 2008. He now attends Florida International University. Perry was a prized player for the Vikings during his years at Lowndes High but it is Jackson’s turn to step up to the plate.

Jackson's teammates refer to him as “exTrémely” hard-working and a very dedicated player. He works on his footwork and quickness every day. He also runs stadiums wearing a weight vest to prepare for Friday night games. All that work is adding up because he is 194 pounds of pure muscle. Playing linebacker and fullback, Jackson will make a great addition to the offensive team.

“There has never been a time in my life where I wanted to quit or give it all up,” says Jackson. Commenting on his first Lowndes High football game, he says, "I was excited and it felt like, finally, all my hard work paid off."

Senior starting quarterback Cole Parker says, “He has a lot of potential. He not only shows leadership skills on the field, but off too."

An advantage of playing with upperclassmen is the experience gained by playing with and against athletes that are better, which is a challenge for the 14-year-old. "I do not think the older players look down on me because of my age,” says Jackson. “We are all leaders on this team, and if we weren't, it would not work."  He enjoys playing with the older players and his skills are improving.

"Schoolwork always comes first for me. If I am not working on schoolwork, then I am working on my football skills." Jackson wants to go to the University of Miami and major in sports medicine. He also plans to play on their football team.

It is not always about football for Jackson.  If he does not make all As in his advanced classes, his parents could make him quit the team. It does not seem to be an issue for him, however. Last year, in addition to two football teams, Jackson participated on the track team and was a guard on the basketball team while still maintaining As.

Coach Terry Quinn says, "By putting Tré Jackson on the varsity team, the older players will show him what to do and prepare him for his upcoming years. We do things differently than the middle school, so this will be good for him."

The older players are a major influence on Jackson. This season, he will be getting the hang of things and learning from the older players by practicing and playing with them.  “We see a lot of great things coming from this young man,” says Quinn.

Competition Cheerleading
by Peyton Robbins

The Lowndes High Competition cheerleading team prepared for their first competition on September 11 and returned home with a first-place victory and a glimpse of what state will be like.

“Nervous was the first word that came to my head,” says freshman Tiffani Huff.

The LHS competition squad practices for two hours Monday through Thursday to prepare for competition. The squad competed at Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, which resulted in a victory over Tift County, the only other squad against Lowndes. This competition did not determine eligibility for state.

"I would consider that first competition important for the girls so they can get the nerves out of them and really prepare for regions and state," says head competition cheerleading coach Melissa Trolinger, also known to the girls as "Banks."

On September 25, Lowndes will be hosting the Southern Spirit Showdown in the Lowndes High gym. They will not be competing in this event.

“Being on a squad with upperclassmen isn’t that scary,” comments ninth-grader Megan Anderson, “mainly because most of the team are freshmen.”

The competition squad has a total of 24 members, including 12 freshmen. Junior Jennifer Findley believes there has been a huge improvement since last year because of the new members. Coach Trolinger says, "This is my first year that I've had so many freshmen who all have such great tumbling skills! It is such a talented squad this season."

While the competition cheerleaders are working their way to the top, they have decided who will be competing on the mat.   Senior Brianna Cribbs says, “It was a very hard decision to make but now that it's over, we can start finalizing positions and getting things down.”

There are eight alternates in case any of the 16 competitors become injured and cannot perform. They know that practices will become tougher as their first competition approaches.

The Lowndes competition squad lays it all on the mat while they practice almost every day for region and state. Their region competition is November 6 at Tift County High School. Wishing for the best, the Lowndes squad hopes to place in the top four or their season comes to an end.

If Lowndes should place first in region, they would automatically make it to the second phase of the state competition held November 12-13. Otherwise, Lowndes will have to face 32 other teams and the top eight teams that continue to finals from region.

"I have a lot of confidence and hope that the girls finish first at regions so they can rest that first day and bring home first place at finals,” says Coach Trolinger.
Preparing for competition takes practice as cheerleaders stunt, tumble and throw girls in the air. They make sure every count is right, every move is right, and every girl is in the right position at the right time. Their performance lasts two minutes, thirty seconds and decides their fate of going to region or state meets.

Every girl on the team has complete trust in each other. When taking the floor, their adrenaline rushes and they perform the routine that made it all worthwhile. Tears, work, determination and teamwork pull the Lowndes High competition squad together.  Freshman Kennedy Cowart says, "We do it because we all love it and it's a passion."