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Winder-Barrow High School’s Caitlin Connell broke the school record in the 3,200-meter run while Apalachee’s High School’s Dennia Ernest finished tied for fourth in the high jump during the Georgia High School Association’s state meet in Albany last week.

Connell also made it to the podium by finishing sixth in the 3,200-meter run. Her time of 11:36.9 just eclipsed the school record of 11:37. Connell also finished ninth in the 1,600-meter run (5:17.62) and was just shy of a school record (5:17.22) in that event.

“She was about two tenths of a second from the school record and from being on the podium in the 1,600-meter,” WBHS coach Michael Lofton said. “She was a little disappointed at first because she thought she had finished eighth (in the 1,600). She also wanted the school record. Once she had time to put things in perspective, she realized what she had accomplished.” [Full Story »] 

Almost.

The Winder-Barrow High School baseball team was so close to advancing to the Elite Eight it could probably taste it.

However, Pope High School is the team which moves on after winning a best-of-three series against the Diamond Doggs two games to one. Pope rallied for a 10-9 win in the series opener last Thursday before WBHS took game two 10-6 setting the stage for a dramatic game three. [Full Story »] 

Even when looking elimination in the face, the Winder-Barrow High School baseball team never blinked.

The Diamond Doggs defeated South Paulding in a deciding game of a best-of-three series Tuesday after putting six runs on the board in the top of the seventh. WBHS (22-7) would go on to an 11-4 win in a game which the score was not indicative of how close the contest was.

The Bulldoggs, who will face Pope in the second round beginning Thursday, trailed South Paulding 4-3 after the fifth inning before scoring two runs in the six and six in the seventh. WBHS, despite playing on its home field, was the designated visiting team Monday after a coin flip.

Drew Dunagan worked the first 4.1 innings and while he did not earn the win, earned the praise of coach Brian Smith. [Full Story »] 

Monday's scheduled game between Winder-Barrow and South Paulding has been delayed until Tuesday at 5:55 p.m., WBHS athletic director Justin Grant said.

The field at Charles W. Maddox Complex remained under water Monday and was not suitable for playing. The two teams split a doubleheader Friday forcing a third and deciding game in the best-of-three series.

The Winder-Barrow High School baseball team has already accomplished several goals this spring.

The Diamond Doggs have posted 20 wins and the team has secured a home playoff series. Now, the goals become a little loftier as Winder-Barrow.

(20-6) begins its quest for a state title when it hosts South Paulding in a best-of-three series beginning with a doubleheader Friday at 4 p.m. A third game, if necessary, will be Saturday at 2 p.m. [Full Story »] 

Throughout his career, Alex Martinez had competed in the shadows when it comes to distance running at Winder-Barrow High School.

Whether in cross country or track, the senior has been a steady competitor, but the accomplishments of his teammates may have caused him to be overlooked, at least to some degree.

This spring track season, however, Martinez has stepped out of those shadows and put himself in the spotlight as he will compete at the state track meet in the 800-meter run and the 1,600-meter run. [Full Story »] 

Steady, determined and dependable, Winder-Barrow High School senior Caitlin Connell has done it again.

The long-distance running standout swept the 1,600 and 3,200-meter events at last week’s Region 8-AAAAA meet in Loganville and is now preparing for sectionals this Saturday. For Connell, being a standout is nothing new. It seems to simply be part of her makeup as she has established herself in a long line of distance running standouts at WBHS.

After qualifying for state in the 3,200-meter event as a junior, Connell said she is hoping to make it in both events this season. She just missed qualifying for state in the 1,600-meter run in 2012 after finishing ninth at state sectionals (the top eight advance.)

At the state meet a season ago in Albany, Connell finished 13th in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 11:52. Her coaches are expecting even better things this time.

“Caitlin has really grown into herself as a runner,” said WBHS track coach Jennifer Blevins, “She has figured out how to run really smart races and is determined to finish in the time and place that she sets out for. She seemed to hold back a little last year and didn’t quite push herself like we saw she could. This year she has really stepped out of that and has been making it her year. It has been fun to watch her times drop, strategies improve and strength as a runner grow over the years. I am really excited to see how she finishes out this season.” [Full Story »] 

The Winder-Barrow High School baseball team defeated Salem 8-0 Thursday at Charles W. Maddox Complex.

Originally scheduled for Friday, the game was moved up a day due to a forecast of rain.

Travis Demeritte earned the win going all seven innings. Demeritte, Drew Dunagan and Patrick Overstreet all had homers. WBHS is now 18-4 overall and 13-3 in Region 8-AAAAA.

See Wednesday's print edition of the Barrow Journal for a complete report for the Diamond Doggs and all spring sports.

Winder-Barrow High School completed the season sweep of Apalachee High School Monday and knows it is now officially in the postseason.

The Bulldoggs, however, are still hoping to be able to move into second place and host a first-round state playoff series in coming weeks. For coach Brian Smith, the focus for his team will be to simply take care of their own business.

“We need to win our final two region games and then see where things stack up,” Smith said after Monday’s 7-2 win against region foe Apalachee. “We aren’t mathematically out of second place.” [Full Story »]