Colquitt Co. High School
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April 2010
Girls Soccer Sets High Goals
by Hannah Adair
Lady Packers varsity soccer coach Jimbo Jarvis has high expectations for his ladies this season. His team is extremely conditioned and will be equipped with strategies to keep the ball moving around the field. Only losing three seniors last season, the girls team remains well-adapted to the quality of play they will be using this year. Jarvis replaced the three graduating seniors with one freshman, one sophomore and two senior field players this season. The Lady Packers hold a region record of 4-1 and were looking forward to playing rival team Tift County on March 12, but unfortunately the game was rescheduled due to inclement weather. The game will now be played in April.
The most exhilarating game the girls have had would be against Warner Robins. It served as the breaking point for the ladies and began their winning streak. When the Lady Packers traveled to Warner Robins they had fire in their hearts and high expectations, and they weren't going to settle for anything less than a win. A win is exactly what they achieved. Sophomore Meagan May scored two goals in the first half to put the Lady Packers up 2-0 at halftime, and the girls were on cloud nine. In the second half, the Demonettes put in two goals, which only fired the Lady Packers up towards a cross from Suzi Hernandez and a ball in the back of the net by Lindsey Causey. After a hard loss to Lowndes, this victorious game was what the ladies needed. The Warner Robins game was an entirely different level of play, and the girls were a lot faster and always first to the ball.
Photography by Chuck Bannister
March 2010
Packer Baseball
by Anna Hall/CCHS
The 2009 baseball season is cranking up. With a new head coach, Tony Kirkland, the Packer baseball program is hoping to thrive this year. The dugouts and indoor batting cages are always occupied after school while preseason workouts are in full swing. Coach Kirkland is establishing the baseball team as a team that will be recognized and honored for their hard work this season. Expectations are high and excitement continues to sizzle. Packer baseball tryouts begin on February 1. Packer Fever is at an all-time high – will the Packer baseball team prove successful?
Coach Kirkland commented on the upcoming season: "This year the difference between what is possible and what is impossible is in the hands of the players and their determination throughout the season. To aid them, the coaching staff has high expectations, and the players know we are dedicated to their improvement and success. Although the weather has been a challenge, we are on our way to forming a strong work ethic and team unity through our daily work.”
Photography submitted by Colquitt County High School
by Caitlin Perryman
John Fordham began playing golf at the age of seven, but his love for the sport developed even before. His dad began playing golf the year he was born, so John was practically raised on the golf course. Not only does he have a passion for the game, but a natural talent as well. As a member of the Colquitt County High School golf team, the 18-year-old finished third in the state last year for his age group. John was also the winner of five tournaments over the summer of 2009.
Throughout his years of golfing, John has won forty tournaments. His accomplishments rank him as one of the best players in South Georgia. The golfer practices at least five times a week and plays two to three times each week. Despite all the time he spends playing golf, John manages to focus on school as well so he can remain a scholar athlete. John’s success at school and on the course paid off on November 16, 2009, when he signed with Valdosta State University to play golf for the 2010-2011 school year.
Photography submitted by Colquitt County High School
Diving
Congratulations to the Colquitt County High School Diving Team for Sweeping the State!
Photography submitted by Becky Moore
February 2010
by Kara Dobbs/CCHS Journalism
In a way, swimming is just like football. When the team has a winner for a coach, then the team has a winning team. This year the CCHS swim team has a winner for a coach. Her name is Mandy Grage. She has the team working very hard, and it is already starting to show.
Coach Grage has the swimmers swimming at least two miles every day. The practices consist of long-distance swimming, sprinting, pulling and kicking of every stroke. She is a very hard-working coach, and she is clearly inspiring the swimmers to do better.
The swim team had their first swim meet in Tifton on November 14. “The team performed well for their first meet,” stated Coach Grage. The girls’ 200 freestyle relay team, which consisted of freshman Ansley Moore, junior Jessica Price, sophomore Samantha Price and senior Kara Dobbs, recorded the time of 2:11.28, which was an improvement from that of the previous year.
At the Bearcat Bash Invitational held in Bainbridge, the Packers had eight finishes in the top five and 20 top 10 finishes. The Packer boys finished fourth. The boys’ 200 freestyle relay team placed second. The relay team consisted of Ethan Sobalvarro, Andrew Carlton, Ashley Mead and Connor Walsh.
Samantha Price led the Packers at the Coffee Trojan Invitational. She had a third place finish in the 500 freestyle. She also had a fifth place finish in the 200 freestyle. She was also a part of the girls’ 200 freestyle relay team, which also included Ansley Moore, Staci Repass and Kara Dobbs, and the relay team placed ninth overall.
Connor Walsh turned in his best time of 2:37.31 in the 200 individual medley for sixth place. Ethan Sobalvarro was seventh in the 100 backstroke with a 1:10.36 and was eighth in the 100 butterfly with a 1:15.67.
At press time, Colquitt County was preparing for the Lee County Trojan Invitational on January 16 and the Americus Panther Invitational on January 23. The team will be hoping for good turnouts and times. “I want to take swimmers to state,” Coach Grage stated. Needless to say, everyone is really excited for the rest of the season.
Photography by Kara Dobbs/CCHS Journalism
January 2010
Colquitt County Packers Rekindle the Spirit
by Anna Hall/CCHS journalism student
Soaring spirals… surely would have followed that sack. A 50-yard rush into the end zone… if the ball hadn’t slipped out of his hands. A flawless field goal to win the game… sailing three inches to the left of the post. A brick wall of a tackle… side-stepped by the runner. While the Packers were anything but perfect this year, their consistent perseverance and determination carried them to fourth round of the state playoffs for the first time in a decade!
The Colquitt County Packers, coached by Rush Propst, finished with a record of 11-3 after falling to Camden County, unable to defeat Camden’s solid defense. As the buzzer sounded to end the game and the scoreboard lit Camden’s way into the state championship, the Packers’ fans — their true fans — stood to their feet applauding their team’s success, manifesting the rekindled Packer Pride that Colquitt County once knew so well.
The following senior CCHS players were interviewed, and they shared some thoughts about the football season and other points of interest!
Quin Roberson #4
My most memorable moment is beating Valdosta for the first time at Valdosta since 1999. One thing that I will take from my Packer football experience is becoming a better leader. I want to carry that with me wherever I go. My hero is my mother, my most embarrassing moment is tripping up the stairs, and my dream date is letting the woman pay for everything. I have a German shepherd named King.
Willie McCrary #5
My most memorable moment of my football career is my interception in the game versus Lassiter. My most embarrassing moment is when I ran the wrong way in a basketball game. My favorite getaway is my backyard and my favorite movie is The Notebook. The person that has impacted me the most through high school is my mom. I am a “country” person because I like to sit on the front porch in a rocking chair with a piece of straw in my mouth.
Derrel Ward # 7
My most memorable moment of my football career is my first interception of my senior year against Thomasville, which was a game-changer. My future plans are to continue playing football in college and earn a degree in psychology. My most embarrassing moment was at the Homecoming dance when I didn’t know how to jerk. My favorite day of the year is January 23 - my birthday and the greatest day of the year! My motto in life is: Set life goals and achieve them.
William McCrary #8
The most memorable moment of my football career is my pick against Stephenson. My heroes are Willie McCrary and my mom. If I knew I could try anything and not fail, I would go swimming because I know I can’t and if I tried, I would fail. I am a “beach” person because I’m so calm and cool. I have two dogs named Champ and Sissy.
Davis Durham #10
The most memorable moment of my football career is beating Valdosta in their home stadium my senior year and also my senior playoff run. One thing that I will take from my Packer football experience is my friendships. If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Arkansas for duck hunting. My favorite food is crab and my favorite song is “Great Day to be Alive.”
Amel Magwood #18
My future plans are to hopefully play football in college and to get a good education. My hero is my cornerback coach, Coach Polite. He inspires me to want to be great in football. My motto in life is: Treat others as you would like to be treated. I see myself as a beach, country, and city person. I love beaches because of the sun and the breeze; I love the country because I love being isolated; I love the city because of the excitement.
Tyler Dismuke #21
The most memorable moment of my football career is when I got my fake punt opportunity, and I ran for a first down against Camden in the last game of my high school football career. My favorite foods are Maw Maw’s green peas and spaghetti. The person that has impacted me the most through high school is my mom. She has kept me straight through my rough times. My dream date would be in a cabin in the snow in the middle of the woods, by a fire with the love of my life. If I could have any superpower, it would be super-duper strength to help the world.
Nyneson Jeudy # 36
I spend my free time talking to myself. My favorite food is soul food. If I knew I could try anything and not fail, I would go back to win state.
Jamal Davis #37
I want to be a construction worker when I grow up. My dream date would be on the beach. If I could have any superpower, I would be extra smart because with a brain, you can do anything. My favorite college football team is the Gators.
Tyrell Wright # 45
My favorite getaway is Barwick. If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Hawaii because it is a pretty place with pretty girls. My dream date would be a girl with a pretty face, pretty teeth, long hair, nice body and a good personality. I want to be a business man when I grow up and my motto in life is: Hard work pays off.
Ashley Mead #46
My most memorable moment of my football career is in the 2008 season when I recovered a fumble during the Valdosta game. My most embarrassing moment is when I was driving down the road and I thought I forgot my truck keys at the field house. My future plans are to college and get a law degree. The person that has impacted me the most through high school is Mr. Edwards; he taught me to chill out and just live. He has always been there for me when I needed a teacher and a friend. If I knew I could try anything and not fail, I would graduate as valedictorian at Harvard Law School. My motto is: Think happy and you will be happy. Life isn’t about how many breaths you take, it’s about the moments that take your breath away.
Dillon Underwood #53
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Hawaii. It looks beautiful and I enjoy spending most of my time in a bathing suit. The person that has impacted me the most in high school is Coach Dawson. He is like my dad at school. He has helped me improve my athletic skills the most. He also tells me to strive in my academics. My motto in life is: Of course life isn’t fair; because fair is something you buy a ticket to. I have 3 cats; their names are Georgia, Bo Bo, and Tiffy.
Emory Wheeler #57
One thing that I will take from my Packer football experience is learning how to fight through adversity. I spend my free time relaxing and hanging out with my teammates. The person that has impacted me the most through high school is Coach Dawson. He gives me good advice. My favorite college football team is the Georgia Bulldogs.
Chris Walsh #78
I would like to tell the underclassmen that I have loved playing with them and to keep working hard so they can go all the way next year. Never give up!! The person that has impacted me the most through high school is Coach Giddens. He has always pushed me to new limits. When I think I can’t go anymore he motivates me to keep on going. He always helped me when I needed it. If I knew I could try anything and not fail, I would play in the NFL. My favorite movie is Blind Side.
Travis Harris #83:
The most memorable moment of my football career is making the first touchdown of the season. I would like to tell the underclassmen to work every day like it’s your last. The person that has impacted me the most through high school is Eric Key. His drive, desire to win and dedication inspired me. My most embarrassing moment is when I dropped a wide-open pass on game day. My favorite time of year is football season because I love the game. My motto in life is: Go hard or Go home.
Jacob Propst #87
One thing that I will take from my Packer football experience is discipline. If I knew I could try anything and not fail, I would try to become a millionaire. Now that football season is over, I am going to go to the woods. My favorite college football team is Alabama.
Robert Fuller #92
One thing that I will take from my Packer football experience is being thankful for the year we had. If I could travel anywhere, I would go to California because I want to catch a wave. My favorite movie is The Hangover and my most embarrassing moment is falling out of my desk.
Cameron Erving #93
The most memorable moment of my football career is when I picked Magwood up after his interception in the Stephenson game! My favorite getaway is the mountains and my favorite food is hot wings. The person that has impacted me the most through high school is my mom. She has pushed me to be successful. My favorite college football team is FSU!!!
Darius “Donut” Townsend, Manager
My future plans are to go to college and hopefully be a manager. Through my Packer football experience, I have learned that we are all a family. My favorite getaway is the football field house. The person that has impacted me the most through high school is Coach Connell. She is my second mama. My favorite college football teams are the Florida Gators and the Texas Longhorns.
Photography by Jennifer Alexander
December 2009
by Amber Ellis
As an 18-year-old striving for a career in physical education, Carrie Hood graduated in 1998 with honors from Colquitt County High School, destined for a future unlike any other. She participated in cheering for the Packers from ninth grade to her senior year. She says, “I first tried out for cheerleading in eighth grade and did not make the squad… my spirit needed a lot of improvement. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I hide my emotions well. You will very seldom see me get excited about anything, which is not typical of cheerleaders.”
Hood went on to cheer at Georgia Southern University, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in education. There, she cheered on the co-ed and girls’ squads, but she particularly enjoyed participating in co-ed.
Shortly after graduating from GSU in 2002, Hood married Chris Parker, also from Colquitt County. Newly married, Carrie Parker interviewed and received a P.E. coaching position at a local elementary school. On her interest in coaching, Parker dedicates her influence to Amy White, who was her coach as a sophomore. “She always complimented me on my leadership ability and encouraged me to be more outgoing. I remember wanting to be like her when I grew up. To this day, I still keep in touch with her and can call her a friend, despite the fact that she’s married to the head football coach at Tift County,” Parker jokes, referring to the rivalry between Tift and Colquitt County.
In 2003, Parker was invited onto the high school coaching staff as the cheerleading coach. She and a close friend, Carman Phillips, coached the football and competition squads. They brought competitive cheerleading to a new light in Colquitt County.
“Competitive cheer is a two minutes, 30 seconds routine comprised of cheer, dance, stunts, pyramids, jumps, and tumbling,” she explains. Parker coached for three seasons, and upon receiving news that she was pregnant with her first child, she decided to step down from cheerleading. In the meantime, Parker had been working toward obtaining a master’s degree in her educational field. With so much on her plate, who can blame her for wanting to slow it down?
After the birth of Cayden Thomas Parker, Carrie Parker reactivated herself. She participated in singing competitions held in Moultrie, choreographed junior varsity competition routines, and remained active in her home church, Hopewell Baptist. She also continued coaching P.E. at Norman Park Elementary, and always made time for her family. In 2007, she was asked to help with Colquitt County’s varsity competition squad before their performance at the state competition in Columbus. She quickly agreed, and her passion for competition was reignited.
In the spring of 2008, Parker reunited with the Colquitt County High School coaching staff as head cheerleading coach. She directed tryouts, and found the 20 girls that would be a part of the competition family. While head coach, she directly coached the competitive squad only. As far as winning, Parker says, “It all comes down to confidence and believing in yourself. You can have the most talented squad in the state performing the most difficult routine, but they will crumble under the pressure every time they take the floor if they don’t have confidence.”
This particular squad had most impressive scores throughout the season; however, they fell short at the region competition held in Worth County. She tells that the most rewarding feeling, aside from winning, is “the look on one of my cheerleader’s faces when they have accomplished something they didn’t think they could do. I want them to have faith in themselves and to not be afraid to try new things whether it is in cheerleading or in life in general. I want them to understand that you only get what you put forth. If you want to be successful on the mats or in life, you have to work hard at it ALL the time.”
Photography submitted by Colquitt County High School
November 2009
“Dizzy” Dismuke Is Ready!by Lauren Kelshaw, CCHS Journalism
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” This is not only a favorite quote of Tyler Dismuke’s but a motto that he lives by when it comes to athletics.
An athlete since the age of 3, Tyler began his sports career as a soccer player. Currently he is a senior at Colquitt County High School and the starting kicker and punter for the Packers varsity football team.
For the past six years, Tyler has been a versatile part of the Packer football program. During this time he has played a number of positions: running back, quarterback, defensive lineman, wide receiver and defensive back. As a junior, he received the Ralph Taylor Special Teams Award for Outstanding Special Teams Play.
Defensive coordinator and special teams coach Jack Hines says, “Tyler has a strong leg and is the unusual kind of kicker that can also punt. He is talented and can do both well.”
Tyler was asked what he loved the most about football and he answered, “The feeling I have before the first kick off of the game when the crowd is loud and hyper. It makes me feel like I can do anything.”
Tyler has always been a gifted athlete and an avid runner. Tyler was a member of the cross country team for five years. As a cross country runner, he always ran with passion and determination and always gave 110 percent. Speed is something Tyler was blessed with, and in 2006 as a freshman at CCHS, Tyler was awarded the cross country Coaches Award. He was also named First Team All-Region that same year and competed at the state level. As a junior, Tyler was awarded the cross country Most Valuable Player for the CCHS team.
When asked about Tyler and his running abilities, cross country coach Mel Wier said, “Tyler is a really hard worker and can accomplish anything athletically he wants when he puts his mind to it.” Coach Wier added that if Tyler had stayed with cross country this year he would have been one of the most talented runners in South Georgia.
Unfortunately, Tyler felt that he would be unable to juggle the cross country schedule along with his football duties and made the decision to focus all his efforts on football this fall.
When it comes to soccer, Tyler literally leaves it all out on the field. He is constantly on the move during a game, playing his hardest while on the field and encouraging others while on the sidelines. When asked about Tyler’s soccer career, CCHS varsity soccer coach Rob Craft said, “Tyler’s biggest attribute is his desire to win.” Coach Craft also commented, “His hustle is amazing, and he is always willing to work hard and will do anything to help his team win.” Tyler reported that one of his proudest sports moments was when he scored a goal off a header in soccer.
During the 2009 football season for the Packers, Tyler has been averaging 38 yards a punt and has punted 14 times in the last six games. He has converted two of the three field goals, his longest coming from 42 yards. Tyler’s kickoffs have been as consistent as the Packers wining season with the majority landing well into the end zone and, at times, sailing out of the end zone. Tyler’s kicking ability has certainly contributed to the recent success of Colquitt County football.
A driving force in Tyler’s athletic career has been his family support. His mother, Regina Dismuke, was also extremely athletic and coached Tyler and his friends on numerous baseball teams and has always inspired him to do his best. When asked if Tyler enjoyed his mother coaching him, he commented, “Yes, I liked her being one of my coaches because she knew how to teach me in ways that I understood, which helped me become a better athlete.” Tyler also said, “My parents kept me going when times got tough, and I am grateful for them.”
In Tyler’s spare time he enjoys fishing, hunting, playing the guitar, and spending time with his family and friends. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Moultrie, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club and 4-H. Tyler is a member of the A cappella Choir and the senior Men’s Choir.
When asked about his goals for the future, Tyler stated he plans to go to college on a football or soccer scholarship, and he dreams of participating in professional sports one day.
Photography courtesy of Gina Dismuke and Justin Little Photography
by Lejerin Zorn, CCHS Journalism
“…and seven more points are on the board as Quin Roberson lands in the end zone!” is a phrase that Packer fans look forward to hearing every Friday night. Fortunately, Roberson is delivering what they want to hear.
Quin Roberson, #4, currently leads the Packers in reception yardage. A versatile player, he covers many positions including receiver, quarterback, and special teams. He is an all-around fabulous athlete with huge aspirations. Jeff Hammond, offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach says, “Quin is a really hard worker. He has spent countless hours working on his skill and has made improvements daily.”
Packers head varsity coach Rush Propst says, “Quin is a playmaker. That’s what he is. He has had great return yardage with kickoff returns and punt returns. I am very pleased with where Quin is as a football player.”
In a recent interview with Quin, we got to know a little more about the Packer star. When asked to name his favorite player, he quickly answered: “Michael Vick − the most exciting player in the history of NFL football!" Like Vick, Roberson sometimes feels he is an exciting player when he makes a great play. “Just not quite as exciting as some college players,” he humbly says.
The excitement of being able to live up to the tradition of Packer football is the reason the wide receiver goes out onto the field every day and gives his all. He is one of the senior leaders and pushes everyone else on his team to play hard as well. He has a great relationship with his teammates and leads by example. Coach Propst says, “He is a leader. He works hard in the weight room and on the field.”
Everyone knows that a good player gets a nickname, but Quin is such a star on the team that he has two: "Q" and his jersey number "Four." Coach Hammond states, “He is one of our offensive leaders. He continues to do the right things. His teammates look at him to make plays and show them the way.”
Like many great athletes, Quin partakes in certain rituals before a game and his personal choices are pineapple slices and Gatorade! It may be a crazy combination, but it certainly seems to work for this athlete.
Quin is not only a football player; he strongly believes in being a great student athlete. Although his favorite subject is history, he strives to maintain his grades in all classes. Mrs. Susan Passmore, his literature teacher, reports “Quin is an excellent student that works very hard in class.” He is on a college preparatory track and is looking forward to graduation.
Quin Roberson is an admirable high school athlete. He maintains his average inside of school and maintains his athleticism on the field. Quin is raising the heads of several colleges and if everything goes as planned, he will soon be playing for a big-name team such as the University of Georgia, Florida State, or Clemson. And he certainly has proven that he has what it takes to make it onto one of those teams. Coach Hammond states, “Hopefully, Quin will have a chance to further his education through football. He is well-deserving and is one of the best wide receivers in the state. He will make some program very lucky to get him.”
Photography courtesy of Justin Little Photography
October 2009
CCHS Cross Country Team Off to a Great Season
by Hannah Adair, CCHS Journalism Staff
Sophomore runner Lindsey Causey said, “Short-distance practices help us with our speed work.” Wier claims the short-distance practices will help his runners to hold their max speed for longer periods during races.
With only two returning male seniors this season, senior and top runner Heath Lamb comments, “It’s going to be a big change; we have a lot of ground to cover and a lot of people are going to have to step up this year.” Heath also claims there are many new additional young males who will have to step it up and “fill in some seats.”
Coach Wier seems confident in these new runners as he comments, “With the addition of new runners, I think we have an opportunity for one of the top spots in the region.” As far as the girls team, top runner Lindsey Causey has positive hopes that all of the girls will finish well this season. The girls’ team returns this year with four seniors.
The results at the Tift County meet on September 12 were much expected. The girls’ varsity team came in third place, and the boys placed sixth. Top runner Heath Lamb placed second individually with a time of 17:55. The rest of the male runner’s times were: Richard Smith- 19:58, Jonathan Cauthen-20:14, Jared May- 20:16, Ben Hoover-20:48, Jose Zunun-21:23, Kyle Tolbert-21:50, Landon Rehberg-22:46, Connor Walsh-23:04, Lance Lott-24:04, Ismael Moreno-24:34, and Ricky Patel-24:47.
With weight training and short-distance speed work incorporated into the 2009 season, both the boys and girls cross country teams are anticipating an exciting season and perhaps returning to the state cross country meet in November.
Photography by Hannah Adair/CCHS Journalism Staff
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New Team. New Scheme. Same Dream.
by Anna Hall/CCHS Journalism Staff
Senior safety Davis Durham says, “The key to our success this year is our mental approach. Our success will be according to how we handle certain situations mentally.”
Quin Roberson, also a senior, adds, “We are a lot more competitive. When we step on the field, we don’t just hope to win, we EXPECT to win.”
The Packers were in the weight room and on the field all summer working to achieve perfection as a team. “We have worked much harder in the off-season,” says Coach Propst. The Packer approach is much like putting together a puzzle; it cannot be complete without each and every player pushing themselves daily in rigorous strength and conditioning, endurance, and achieving a strong mental attitude. Both Roberson and senior Cameron Erving consider playing ball a “brotherhood.”
Erving elaborates, “As a team, we have to be responsible and never let each other fail. We have to keep each other from making stupid decisions and push ourselves 110% all the time.”
“I expect our football players to conduct themselves with the utmost character on and off the field,” says Propst. “They need to understand that all eyes are on them and they must always set an example.” Coach Propst takes character building very seriously and has instilled this in his football team.
Durham says, “I want to lead by example and always hold my teammates accountable to do the same. Leadership is key.”
Erving agrees, “We have to be responsible and push each other, making sure that we don’t do things that might get us into trouble.”
What do the Packers have to say to you, their diehard fans?
“I would like the Packer fans to know that we as coaches appreciate the support that they give to our staff and our football team. We also appreciate the fans supporting us each Friday night with their attendance. It is my desire that they continue that support this season. We are looking to have a much improved record.” –Coach Propst
“We are going to play our hardest and constantly work to make people respect the Packers!” –Cameron Erving
“Be patient. It will take time to bring us back to the Glory Days.” –Quin Roberson
“Be patient and the winning will come.” –Tyrell Wright
“Come out and support us. It’s going to be an exciting and successful year!” –Davis Durham
Photography by Jennifer Alexander
