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Friday, May 11, 2012

Top-Ranked Lambert Has No. 2 McIntosh Next

Class AAAA quarterfinal game matches teams that have outscored playoff opponents 26-2 so far.

Lambert's spotless season will get perhaps its biggest test Friday in the quarterfinals of the state Class AAAA boys soccer playoffs in a matchup of the state's top two ranked teams. Next up for the top-ranked Longhorns is No. 2 McIntosh, which has shut out its first two-playoff opponents 14-0. Game time is 7:45 p.m. at Lambert High. McIntosh, which knocked the Longhorns out of the playoffs last season, has won three boys championships in its history. The Chiefs (17-2-1) have shut out 14 of their 20 opponents this year. Lambert is 20-0 after playoff wins of 7-1 over Loganville and 5-1 over Richmond Hill. The 'Horns have 13 shutouts this season. B.K. Kinteh, Mitch Fandos, Brendan Everett, Zack Davis and Cooper Coughlin scored the goals in …

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Atlanta Hawks Basketball Camp Coming to Forsyth County

The camp is for boys and girls ages 7-16 and will be held at Fowler Park and Old Atlanta Park this summer.

The Atlanta Hawks Summer Basketball Camp will make two stops in south Forsyth County, first at Fowler Park on June 4 through June 8 and at Old Atlanta Park on June 18 through June 22. The camps are open to boys and girls ages 7-16 and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to the Hawks' release, the camps, "offer a high-energy opportunity for young players and fans to improve their skills, play the game, meet friends and have fun." Camp features include Atlanta Hawks guests and trainers, a 2012-13 regular season Hawks game ticket and Hawks gear, the organization said. The cost for each camp is $200. Other Atlanta Hawks Summer Basketball camp locations and dates are: May 28-June 1 South Cobb Recreation Center: Austell Fair Oaks Recreation…

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Pinecrest Middle Tennis Teams Take Second in Playoffs

The final match was challenging, but the players stayed in the game.

The Pinecrest Academy Middle School Tennis teams travelled to Mt. Paran Christian School recently to compete in the North Atlanta Metro League (NAML) playoffs. The teams fared exceptionally well in their first two matches on Monday, April 23, securing them a spot in the finals on Tuesday, April 24. The final match was challenging, but the players stayed in the game. Players Adam Rocko and Christina Aufleger were able to secure individual wins for their teams, and the Pinecrest teams came in 2nd place overall for the season. "This is a tremendous accomplishment, as our middle school tennis team has been building its program over the past three years," said Coach Erin McGraw. "A special thanks goes to the five team members who have been with…

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Speak Out: Football and Brain Injuries

As the world wonders about the possible link between football and long-term brain health, does that impact how you feel about kids playing the game?

There already has been plenty of discussion linking Junior Seau's suicide and the cumulative effects of violent collisions he sustained during his illustrious NFL career. The former San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots linebacker died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest Wednesday, May 2. In our quest to know why a 43-year-old former football star would take his own life, we quickly latch on to what we've seen previously — a growing list of former players who've suffered depression, dementia and other neurological problems. So what do you think? Does the possibility of concussions in youth and high school football concern you? Add your comments at the end of this article. Last year, former Pro Bowl safety Dave Duerson died of a …

Friday, May 4, 2012

Pony Up and Party – It’s Derby Day, a History

Mint juleps, country ham and Louisville culinary specialties as Derby Pie and Benedictine cucumber sandwiches are best bets to serve to make a winning Derby Day throw-down.

The race is on at Churchill Downs, and for more than the thoroughbreds and jockeys riding in this year’s 138th Kentucky Derby, here is a look at some of the traditions. Churchill Downs’ chefs are racing to finish last minute preparations to serve the 160,000 hungry fans expected during Derby Day. Overseeing this year’s food service is Churchill Down’s Executive Chef Jo-Jo Doyle who designs the menus served throughout the track. Menus vary depending on where you are. About 9,000 people will eat in the premium dining areas including Millionaires Row where you can bet Churchill Downs famous Barbecue Shrimp and Cheddar Grits will be serve. Nachos and pulled pork sandwiches are Infield favorites. Other Derby culinary specialties defining race…

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Junior Golf League in South Forsyth

Olde Atlanta Club is hosting registration through Sunday, May 6.

Canongate Golf, which owns 23 golf clubs in the Atlanta area, is signing up for a PGA Junior Golf League for children 13-under. Canongate is hosting teams at its Olde Atlanta Golf Club in south Forsyth County, according to a news release. Registration is open through Sunday, May 6. Designed to better socialize the game for boys and girls, the league features a scramble format against other area golf clubs in a structured league that provides a popular, less stressful format than medal-play competition. During the five-week season, teams will compete in 4-6, nine-hole scrambles. All players will receive team jerseys, golf balls and bag tags. Pricing for the Canongate teams is $165 for Canongate members and $200 for non-members. For …

Jackie Robinson Remembered by Local Teams

Local youth baseball teams recently celebrated Jackie Robinson Day.

The Sawnee Mountain Thunder 12U Travel Team, along with other teams, recently participated in Jackie Robinson Day. Every year Major League Baseball commemorates and honors Jackie Robinson, the first African-American MLB player on April 15. That's the day he made his major league debut. In honor of the day, the Sawnee Mountain Thunder team and others, part of the Lanier League, wore round white stickers on their sleeves with #42 emblazoned on them [Robinson's retired number], according to Deana Mitchell, a team mom. "Every single player in Major League Baseball wears that number – it’s so cool to see," said Mitchell. "We tried to do our part." Each player was asked to read a short Internet article describing the significance of the day so…

Friday, April 27, 2012

North Georgia Aquatics Summer Swim Team Try Outs

Summer Swim Team at the Cumming Aquatic Center.

North Georgia Aquatics is a year-round non-profit swim team, and is welcoming new swimmers to come try out for the Summer Season. Swim meets are optional and we offer a flexible practice schedule. Practices are currently Monday - Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. through the end of the school year. Then practice will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Swimmers typically attend two to three practices per week. Visit during any of their practice sessions, meet the coach, try out with current swimmers and chat with the swim parents. For more information go to the North Georgia Aquatics Web site.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Have You Registered for the 2012 Boulder Dash 5K?

Strap on your running shoes and get ready to race in this year's 3rd annual Boulder Dash 5K.

The Lafarge Quarry in Cumming hosts the 3rd Annual Boulder Dash 5K on Saturday, April 28. The event is a unique opportunity that awaits you to meander through an environmentally responsible, operational hard rock quarry. This is a 5K run or walk for people of all fitness levels. The race begins at Northside Hospital-Forsyth and continues through an active rock quarry. As you run or walk you'll see the working quarry face, the ancient rock deposits and the massive equipment that processes it, along with the natural surroundings as you and hundreds of others take the challenge of the Boulder Dash 5K with the Lafarge Spring Fling awaiting you at the Finish Line. For registration information visit the Boulder Dash 5K Web site.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

POLL: Are Kids Getting Priced Out of Baseball and Softball?

A NY Times article explores the era of the $250 (or more) baseball bat.

Have you bought a baseball glove for your Little Leaguer lately? Did you pay more than $100 for it? How about a $250 bat? That's the listed price of the most expensive youth bat at Academy Sports + Outdoors, Cumming Patch's Readers' Choice winner for Best Sporting Goods Store. (By the way, the store has an adult model that lists for $349.99) A New York Times story headlined "Big Price Tags Attached to Even the Littlest Leagues," looks at the big business of equipping youngsters for participation in youth baseball and softball leagues, quoting those costs and more. "A batting helmet protects tiny heads for $39.99," the Times reports. "A pair of Nike Jordan Black Cat cleats will make your child fast and fashionable at $51.99 until he or she …

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