Spring sports kicks off in county

Spring has not sprung yet, but spring sports at Banks County High School have sprung into action this past week. Soccer gets the early start on the season with matches in February. Golf, tennis, baseball and track will play catch up to soccer as the next two months go by.
Banks County varsity soccer began its season with a game at East Jackson on Valentines Day. Led by Captains Koewy Heu, Austin Crowe, and Jacob Samples, this team will move forward from the 2011 season.

"The Leopards have practiced hard and we are ready to take on the 2012 season and winning state," said Coach Micheal Boomer.

As for other spring sports, Coach Len Dalton said: "It's going to be an interesting year for Banks County golf, we do not have a single senior on the boys or girls teams. I am very excited for Cara Gowder, who has been the low medalist in the girls region tournament for the last two years and has advanced to the state tournament. Our goal is for the girls to advance to the state tournament as a team this year."

Jeff Ravencraft is the boys tennis coach at Banks County High School. This is his first year coaching tennis at Banks County High School.

"I am looking forward to a great season,” he said. “Our goal for the year is to be at the top of our region heading into the region tournament in April. Once we enter the region tournament, we will be looking to advance to the state tournament."

BCHS has an outstanding returning singles player in Jake Schaefer, a junior and returning doubles team Adam Hiten and Jacob Blalock both seniors.

The Leopards tennis teams will compete in their first home match Tuesday, February 28, at the BCHS tennis courts.

Stave Siegmund and John McCartney are co-head coaches for this years track team at BCHS.

"We have worked to increase participation over last years team,” McCartney said. “We'll find out the total involvement next week when wrestling and basketball students are released and join the team already in training."

Senior Abner McCright is the top returning boy from 2011 region (discus). McCright has a goal of qualifying for state by throwing a discus over 150'. The boys team goal is to place at region in the top five. The girls may not have the involvement to finish that high. Top returning track athlete for the girls is Maggie McCoy in the 400 meter. McCoy placed third at 2011 region. She has started training to also compete in the 300 meter hurdle to go along with her 400 meter and 4 x 400 meter.