MainStreetNewsSports

ROLLASON: Always keeping the hot seat warm

nospam@example.com (Tyler Rollason) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:53:56 -0600

No football coach is on the hot seat more than New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin.

It seems like every year the man is in danger of losing his job, but somehow he is kept in place just long enough for his team to make another run.

When the Giants beat the Patriots in 2008, Coughlin almost got fired in the middle of the season. And even the next season, he was back on the hot seat.
Continue reading "ROLLASON: Always keeping the hot seat warm"

Red Raider wrestlers take third at Elbert tourney

nospam@example.com (Zach Mitcham) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:03:22 -0600

Madison County wrestlers took third place in the eight-team Inferno Tournament in Elberton Saturday.
Continue reading "Red Raider wrestlers take third at Elbert tourney"

Football: Jackson Co., Jefferson football series to continue

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:49:15 -0600

The closest of neighbors will continue playing football for the next two years despite no longer residing in the same athletic region.

Continue reading "Football: Jackson Co., Jefferson football series to continue"

Football: Jackson Co., Jefferson football series to continue

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:40:54 -0600

The voice of the Dragons

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:30:49 -0600

Longtime Jefferson PA announcer Tommy Healan has been calling Dragons games since high school

EXCEPT for maybe Bolling DuBose —the Jefferson boys’ basketball coach of 36 years — nobody has been entrenched courtside in the Dragons’ gym longer than PA announcer Tommy Healan.

Of course, Healan is more heard than seen.

Healan, 46, has called Jefferson basketball games for the past 29 years — well over half his life — announcing starting lineups, calling out scorers’ names, keeping fans abreast of foul totals and even spinning a tune or two during a timeout. His job is two-fold: pass along information and create excitement. The Jefferson native does so with a voice that balances professionalism and showmanship.

“It’s like a radio broadcast,” DuBose said. “He’s made it like a radio broadcast. I think he could go on the radio and be a good play-by-play announcer.”

Healan said his role is one where “you’re maybe not supposed to be a homer.”

But then again …

“There is a line there you need to give yourself — to give yourself a little advantage for being at home,” Healan said.

Healan’s vocal talents certainly aren’t limited to basketball. His credentials in other sports are almost as long.
He’s served as Jefferson’s football PA announcer for 21 years and helped direct and announce the annual state track meet since the 1990s.

He’s also called Jefferson baseball games, wrestling matches and even tried his hand at volleyball this past season when Jefferson hosted a state tournament match.

Coaches agree. Healan brings a certain atmosphere to Jefferson sports.

“There are a lot of gyms you go to where you just don’t get that,” Jefferson girls’ basketball coach Jason Gibson said. “I think we’re very fortunate to have someone like that — not just in basketball but who also does football games. To me, that sets us apart from other places you go.”

It was with DuBose’s Dragons in 1983 that Healan, then a mere sophomore in high school, got his start.

Healan, a multi-sport athlete at Jefferson, began calling basketball to help liven the atmosphere of Jefferson’s home games. Even as a teen, Healan was a good fit behind ing. He made an impression right from the start on DuBose, whose Dragons made a run to the Class A Final Four that year.

“I thought, ‘gosh, having this is pretty neat,’” DuBose said. “‘Too bad he’s going to graduate one day and we won’t have this anymore.’”

DuBose, of course, laughs now because Healan has been around for nearly three decades.

While he derives much joy in his football duties, basketball remains Healan’s favorite sport to call due to the constant action and fast tempo, “especially since our boys’ team is synonymous for running up and down the court,” he said.

Healan’s vocal talents seem to augment the critical moments of a game.

“When he lets out one of his, ‘Austin Thompson for three!’ moments, it kind of rings out and really kind of gets that adrenaline flowing,” said Gibson, who played at Jefferson from 1991-1992. “I know it’s an exciting time for the kids. It sure was when I played.”

When asked about the biggest demands of a PA announcer, Healan was quick with a response: Pronunciation of names. That’s why he goes over each roster beforehand and consults a representative from the other team if he spots a tricky name.

“Because moms will come up and remind you of what their names are,” Healan said.

The other demands are, of course, time.

A banker by day in Gainesville, Healan’s PA work after business hours hasn’t netted him any added income, but his “second job” yields other rewards.

“It’s all volunteer,” Healan said. “I don’t want any pay. I guess one of the more memorable tributes from the kids was when they dedicated the annual to me several years ago. I thought as far as all the thank you’s, that came from the kids themselves.”

So what does his role as Jefferson PA announcer mean to him? Healan — who’s now on his second generation of Jefferson athletes — said it’s a duty he takes very seriously.

“It’s something that you want to take pride in,” Healan said. “The coaches know I want to do it right … It has to prioritize you, your family life and how you go about your weekend and your Friday nights. So, I won’t say it’s not a headache sometimes to make your schedule around home sporting events but we’ve managed for this many years. So it’s just become habit and everybody knows what to expect.”

And for 29 years, Jefferson has gotten Healan’s best.

“I think that as coaches, we take for granted how lucky we are to have Tommy,” DuBose said. “Most high schools don’t have what we have.”

Lady Raiders drain 10 3’s in home win over Apalachee

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:41:09 -0600

By Dallas Bordon

The Lady Raiders closed their home schedule in fine fashion Tuesday night, defeating Apalachee 63-45.

Continue reading "Lady Raiders drain 10 3’s in home win over Apalachee"

CHS to retire women’s jerseys

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Former playing jerseys belonging to two of Commerce High School’s record-breaking basketball scorers will be retired, again, next week.
Continue reading "CHS to retire women’s jerseys"

Commerce overcomes in double overtime

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

There weren’t many water bottles left to douse Commerce coach Chad Bridges’ inflamed nerves during his team’s double overtime thriller at East Jackson last weekend.
Continue reading "Commerce overcomes in double overtime"

BRIDGES: It's February, but spring will soon be here

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:31:00 -0600

This edition will reach the newsstands on the first day of February. However, I’m already in a spring state of mind.

Perhaps it’s the better-than-usual weather we’ve enjoyed in recent days. Despite some chilly mornings, the afternoons have been quite enjoyable, especially for January. This past Saturday in fact, I was able to spend most of the day outside, getting an early jump on yard work, which usually does not begin until spring.
Continue reading "BRIDGES: It's February, but spring will soon be here"

Bulldogg Force: Isler excels on court, provides story of inspiration

nospam@example.com (Tyler Rollason) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:44:02 -0600

What defines a winner? Is it based on success? Maybe it’s calculated by your stats or the number of wins you have.

Better yet, what defines a champion? Is it in fact how many championships you win? Is it even winning in general?

Here’s a question, can you be a champion if you have never won a championship?
Continue reading "Bulldogg Force: Isler excels on court, provides story of inspiration"

Volleyball: Cramsey signs with Piedmont

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:44:00 -0600

TAYLOR Cramsey enjoyed a standout volleyball career at Jefferson, but coach Mike Paul remembers the moment when it really skyrocketed.

Continue reading "Volleyball: Cramsey signs with Piedmont "

Cain signs bowling scholarship

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:32:00 -0600

Blair Cain, a senior at Jefferson High School and an accomplished bowler, has signed a scholarship to bowl at the University of Pikeville in Pikeville, Ky.

Continue reading "Cain signs bowling scholarship "

Boys' basketball: Dragons remain front runners for subregion title

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:20:01 -0600

WITH Kool and the Gang’s 1980 hit “Celebration” blaring over the PA system, Jefferson students mobbed players at midcourt Friday night.
Continue reading "Boys' basketball: Dragons remain front runners for subregion title"

Boys' basketball: Elbert County pulls away from JCCHS late

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:11:25 -0600

By Brent VanFleet

The Jackson County Panthers took on region opponent Elbert County at The Pit, Tuesday night, losing 53-41.
Continue reading "Boys' basketball: Elbert County pulls away from JCCHS late "

Wrestling: Panthers just miss first-place finish before area tournament

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:07:33 -0600

JACKSON County ended its regular-season tournament schedule with an exclamation point.
Continue reading "Wrestling: Panthers just miss first-place finish before area tournament "

Girls' basketball: Jackson Co. moves into second with crucial win

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:04:24 -0600

JACKSON COUNTY just continues to win.
Continue reading "Girls' basketball: Jackson Co. moves into second with crucial win"

Boys' basketball: Eagles bested in double OT by rival Commerce

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:57:08 -0600

EAST Jackson coach Brian Turner didn’t think a postgame meeting in the locker room was even warranted.
Continue reading "Boys' basketball: Eagles bested in double OT by rival Commerce "

Girls' basketball: Tough win gives East Jackson girls sweep of Commerce

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:46:26 -0600

EAST Jackson beat Commerce for the third time this season, but win no. 3 over the Lady Tigers proved much more cumbersome than the previous two.
Continue reading "Girls' basketball: Tough win gives East Jackson girls sweep of Commerce "

Boys' basketball: Panther run comes too late in loss to Oglethorpe Co.

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:43:29 -0600

A 21-POINT fourth quarter wasn’t enough to save Jackson County from a 48-37 subregion loss at Oglethorpe County Friday.
Continue reading "Boys' basketball: Panther run comes too late in loss to Oglethorpe Co. "

Girls' basketball: Hart Co. shooting, Jefferson turnovers contribute to Lady Dragon loss

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:37:19 -0600

HART County drained six three-pointers in the second half as it handed Jefferson (9-12, 3-6) a 55-39 loss, its third straight in subregion play.

Continue reading "Girls' basketball: Hart Co. shooting, Jefferson turnovers contribute to Lady Dragon loss "

Girls' basketball: Lady Panthers overwhelm Oglethorpe Co.

nospam@example.com (Ben Munro) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:36:11 -0600

JACKSON County used the second and third quarters to run away from Oglethorpe County Friday in a 75-26 road win.
Continue reading "Girls' basketball: Lady Panthers overwhelm Oglethorpe Co. "

ROLLASON: Joe Pa — Saying goodbye to a legend

nospam@example.com (Tyler Rollason) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:39:00 -0600

This week we lost one of the most iconic figures in sports history, Joe Paterno.

Paterno, 85, passed away after a fight with lung cancer. In November, the long time coach of the Nittany Lions was fired in wake of a detrimental scandal. It was a scandal that cost Paterno his job, but will not cost him his legacy.

Say what you want about Paterno not doing “enough” when he first heard about the scandal, the fact remains that Paterno did exactly what he was supposed to do. He later admitted that he should have done more and that he wishes he would have done more. But that is a mistake, let’s not pretend that we don’t make mistakes daily ourselves.
Continue reading "ROLLASON: Joe Pa — Saying goodbye to a legend"

Wildcats seek more improvement down the stretch

nospam@example.com (Chris Bridges) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:08:22 -0600

The 2011-2012 season has certainly been one of improvement for the Apalachee High School boys basketball team.

After posting just one victory for all of last season, the Wildcats enter the second portion of the subregion schedule with a 2-3 record. Coach Kevin Morris, like most coaches, is pleased by his team’s improvement, but would also like to see additional progress.
Continue reading "Wildcats seek more improvement down the stretch"

Season on the line

nospam@example.com (Staff Writer) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Basketball is a game of momentum, Commerce players said. They know they have to play well continuously in order to make the necessary run at Region 8-A.

Continue reading "Season on the line"