Sports
Browse this collection of my featured sports articles from more than a dozen magazines and newspapers.
From the Gridiron to the Octagon
Former Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker and current MMA star Eryk Anders is in a reflective mood. Now 37 and with three fights left on his schedule before possibly retiring, Anders has seen some major ups and downs during his lifetime.
Vestavia wrestlers transition to life at West Point
For the third consecutive year, a member of the Vestavia Hills High School wrestling team has been accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
Michael Belcher, a 2022 Vestavia graduate and sophomore at West Point, and Davis Reiff, a 2023 Vestavia graduate and West Point freshman, will be joined by Michael’s sister, Christiana, following her high school graduation in the spring of 2024.
The trio of cadets credit their experience competing on the Rebels wrestling team under coa
Michael Belcher, a 2022 Vestavia graduate and sophomore at West Point, and Davis Reiff, a 2023 Vestavia graduate and West Point freshman, will be joined by Michael’s sister, Christiana, following her high school graduation in the spring of 2024.
The trio of cadets credit their experience competing on the Rebels wrestling team under coa
Trussville man wins 3rd world disc golf championship
The Trussville native and city parks and recreation employee recently won the 2023 PDGA Professional Masters Disc Golf World Championship for the third consecutive year.
Keith is among only a few disc golf athletes in the sport’s history to capture back-to-back-to-back championships, and he’s the first to complete the accomplishment in the Masters Division.
And, furthermore, it wasn’t even close.
Keith blew away the competition with a gaudy score of -24, seven strokes over second-place finish
Keith is among only a few disc golf athletes in the sport’s history to capture back-to-back-to-back championships, and he’s the first to complete the accomplishment in the Masters Division.
And, furthermore, it wasn’t even close.
Keith blew away the competition with a gaudy score of -24, seven strokes over second-place finish
Cougars survive Mountain Brook test
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) avoids a sack as he scrambles, looking for an open receiver during a week 2 playoff game between Mountain Brook and Clay-Chalkville High School’s on Friday, November 17th, 2023, at Clay-Chalkville High School, Jerry Hood Field, Cougar football Stadium in Clay AL. Photo by James Nicholas Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe (9) calls a quarterback keeper to gain positive yardage during a week 2 playoff game between Mountain Brook and Clay-Chalkvi
Spartans come up short at Clay
Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble (19) dives for positive yardage as he is sacked by the Clay-Chalkville defenders during a week 2 playoff game between Mountain Brook and Clay-Chalkville High School’s on Friday, November 17th, 2023, at Clay-Chalkville High School, Jerry Hood Field, Cougar football Stadium in Clay AL. Photo by James Nicholas Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble (19) drags several Clay-Chalkville defenders during a game between Mountain Brook and Clay-Chalkville High Scho
Huskies fly past Bob Jones in 1st round
Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Peyton Floyd (7) during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Bob Jones on Friday, Nov 10, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville wide receiver Jacob Sanders (24) looks for space to run during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Bob Jones on Friday, Nov 10, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville wide receiver Dylan Cope (4) scores a touchdown during a game
Vestavia soccer player to play, train in UK
On a hot Sunday afternoon in early October, the ‘05/’06 Vestavia Hills Steamers are locked in a difficult battle with a team from Mobile. The game features talented players from all over the state, but starting at striker for Vestavia is Harrison Crotwell.
Crotwell earned a spot on an international exposition team, EXACT 11, that will travel across the pond to London and Manchester this December for several days of elite training and competition. Crotwell will have the opportunity to train with
Crotwell earned a spot on an international exposition team, EXACT 11, that will travel across the pond to London and Manchester this December for several days of elite training and competition. Crotwell will have the opportunity to train with
Mountain Brook teen sails in prestigious regatta in Italy
A Mountain Brook teen had the experience of a lifetime during the summer of 2023, competing in one of the world's most prestigious sailing competitions.
Darby Smith, a senior at Mountain Brook High School, is a competitive sailor who is more at home testing his abilities on the water than on an athletic field or basketball court.
"I really like how it's more mental than other sports. It's not like basketball or football, where you have to like to play through physical pain or something," Smith
Darby Smith, a senior at Mountain Brook High School, is a competitive sailor who is more at home testing his abilities on the water than on an athletic field or basketball court.
"I really like how it's more mental than other sports. It's not like basketball or football, where you have to like to play through physical pain or something," Smith
Cavs cap off regular season with 8th win
John Carroll kicker Charles Farr (19) catches a pass during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney. John Carroll quarterback/safety Carson McFadden (7) passes the ball during a game at John Carroll Catholic High School’s Pat Sullivan Field on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. John Carroll defeated Maplesville 44-7. Photo by Erin Nelson Sweeney. John Carroll kicker Charles Farr (19) kicks t
High-flying Huskies
Most Trussville residents should be familiar with Floyd-Bradford Road, a winding stretch of blacktop connecting Roper Road to U.S. 78 in Irondale. But perhaps the road deserves to be renamed Floyd-Jadon Road, in honor of Hewitt-Trussville High School quarterback Peyton Floyd and his favorite wide receiver, Jadon Loving.
Thus far this fall, the dynamic duo of Floyd and Loving are competing on another level. The 2023 edition of the Huskies is looking solid defensively and has a cache of weapons o
Thus far this fall, the dynamic duo of Floyd and Loving are competing on another level. The 2023 edition of the Huskies is looking solid defensively and has a cache of weapons o
Bucs fall to Thompson in gutsy effort
Hoover Cheerleaders and fans during a game between Hoover High School and Thompson High School on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Hoover wide receiver Jordan Woolen (6) is brought down after a catch during a game between Hoover High School and Thompson High School on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Hoover Kicker Garrett Brasher (95) gets off a punt during a game between Hoover High School
Patriots qualify for playoffs with win over Pelham
Homewood running back Evan Ausmer (2) celebrates a long touchdown run during a game between the Homewood Patriots and the Pelham Panthers at Waldrop Stadium on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 in Birmingham. Photo by Richard Force. Homewood quarterback Kaleb Carson (3) celebrates a touchdown with running back Evan Ausmer (2) and wide receiver Camron Fortson (1) during a game between the Homewood Patriots and the Pelham Panthers at Waldrop Stadium on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 in Birmingham. Photo by Richard For
Thompson stifles Eagles
Oak Mountain tight end/defensive lineman Niko Varvoutis (22) tackles Thompson running back Arrington Green (1) during a game between Thompson and Oak Mountain on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Heardmont Park in Birmingham. Photo by Todd Lester Oak Mountain defensive back Drowdy Hackbarth (17) and Oak Mountain defensive back Robert Yoder (10) combine to tackle Thompson running back Michael Dujon (5) during a game between Thompson and Oak Mountain on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Heardmont Park in Bi
Eagles drop 6th straight at Hoover
Action during a game between Hoover High School and Oak Mountain High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Oak Mountain quarterback Will O'Dell (18) looks for running room during a game between Hoover High School and Oak Mountain High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Hoover wide receiver Jonah Winston (4) runs past the defense on his way to a Hoover touchdown during a game between Ho
Bucs get back in win column, dominate Oak Mountain
Hoover wide receiver Jonah Winston (4) runs past the defense on his way to a Hoover touchdown during a game between Hoover High School and Oak Mountain High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Hoover running back Kamal Amerson (26) looks for running room during a game between Hoover High School and Oak Mountain High School on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at the Hoover Met in Hoover, AL. Photo by Barry Stephenson. Hoover linebacker Trey Sanders (20) and Hoover defensive line
Foundations 4 Hope 5K to raise money, awareness for clean water in Africa
More than 300 runners are expected to race through the streets of Downtown Trussville in October for the second year of the Foundations 4 Hope 5K.
The goal of the 5K is to fundraise provide access to clean drinking water throughout eastern Africa as well as to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the region.
According to Foundations 4 Hope Vice President of U.S. Operations Matt Mullinax, the inaugural event in 2022 raised enough money to build freshwater wells for 10 African villages in areas
The goal of the 5K is to fundraise provide access to clean drinking water throughout eastern Africa as well as to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the region.
According to Foundations 4 Hope Vice President of U.S. Operations Matt Mullinax, the inaugural event in 2022 raised enough money to build freshwater wells for 10 African villages in areas
Huskies shut out Huffman on homecoming
Hewitt-Trussville defensive back Riggs Dunn (12) intercepts a pass during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Huffman on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville Band during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Huffman on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville outside linebacker Jadon Cantley (20) , Hewitt-Trussville defensive back Riggs Dunn (12) and
Spartans pitch 3rd straight shutout
Jackson-Olin wide defensive back Antwan Moore (13) tackles Mountain Brook running back Jack King (17) during a game between Jackson-Olin and Mountain Brook on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook. Photo by Todd Lester Mountain Brook defensive back Clyde Beavers (20) tackles Jackson-Olin wide receiver Jeremiah Taylor (8) during a game between Jackson-Olin and Mountain Brook on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook. Photo by Todd Lester Mounta
High-flying Huskies
Most Trussvilians should be familiar with Floyd-Bradford Road, a winding stretch of blacktop connecting Roper Road to U.S. Highway 78 in Irondale. What you may not know is there is an effort to rename the road Floyd-Jadon Road in honor of Hewitt-Trussville High School quarterback Peyton Floyd and his favorite wide receiver Jadon Loving.
Not really. But there should be.
Thus far this fall, the dynamic duo of Floyd and Loving are competing on another level. The 2023 edition of the Huskies is loo
Not really. But there should be.
Thus far this fall, the dynamic duo of Floyd and Loving are competing on another level. The 2023 edition of the Huskies is loo
Huskies dominate Tuscaloosa County, win region contest
Hewitt-Trussville running back Jaqson Melton (5) during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Tuscaloosa County on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville running back Kennedy Mitchell (6) finds the end zone during a game between Hewitt-Trussville and Tuscaloosa County on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium in Trussville, AL. Photo by Shawn Bowles. Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Noah Dobbins (3) gaines extra
Fore! Zack Holton tees off professional career
It’s a rare feat to jump into a new activity on a whim and become one of the best in the world practically overnight. However, that is exactly what Oak Mountain area resident Zack Holton managed to achieve.
At the time of this writing, Holton was ranked No. 5 in the Drive, the globe’s premier professional golf long drive competition. He has also managed to rack up an impressive list of awards and accomplishments during his short career, including Rookie of the Year 2021 and a top 5 finish in th
At the time of this writing, Holton was ranked No. 5 in the Drive, the globe’s premier professional golf long drive competition. He has also managed to rack up an impressive list of awards and accomplishments during his short career, including Rookie of the Year 2021 and a top 5 finish in th
Trailblazers: Mountain Brook mountain biking team creating a legacy on two wheels
He may not realize it, but long-time Mountain Brook resident and Mountain Brook Elementary School fifth grade teacher Bill Andrews is a trailblazer. Literally and figuratively.
An avid cyclist and an active member of Birmingham’s mountain biking community, Andrews has been a constant sight on two wheels around town over the last two decades.
Andrews is accustomed to a challenge, having ridden and raced on some of the toughest terrain and courses throughout the region. However, from a mountain
An avid cyclist and an active member of Birmingham’s mountain biking community, Andrews has been a constant sight on two wheels around town over the last two decades.
Andrews is accustomed to a challenge, having ridden and raced on some of the toughest terrain and courses throughout the region. However, from a mountain
Huskies get past Gadsden City
GADSDEN -- The Hewitt-Trussville High School football team captured its first win of the young season with a hard-fought 42-27 win over Gadsden City on Friday night.
The Huskies (1-1) needed big plays from the offense and a gutsy performance on defense to hold off a Titans squad that kept things interesting.
Gadsden City needed only four plays and just under two minutes to draw first blood on a 49-yard run by T.J. Worthy to take an early 7-0 lead.
Hewitt-Trussville senior quarterback Peyton F
The Huskies (1-1) needed big plays from the offense and a gutsy performance on defense to hold off a Titans squad that kept things interesting.
Gadsden City needed only four plays and just under two minutes to draw first blood on a 49-yard run by T.J. Worthy to take an early 7-0 lead.
Hewitt-Trussville senior quarterback Peyton F
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