Bears get ready for the season
     Senior Tyler Hammett dodges members of the Burke County Bears defense during an intersquad scrimmage at the high school last Friday night. While Hammett spent most of the night running the ball and hurling passes down field, Bears Head Coach Eric Parker remains mum about who will fill the first string quarterback slot and many of his other key starting positions. Right, Quentin Terry takes a water break to cool off during the scrimmage. Even though the Bears waited until nearly 7 p.m. to take the field last Friday, the temperature was still above 100 degrees when they started playing. To combat the heat, Coach Parker made sure they drank plenty of water, and athletic trainer Amanda Hankins kept a close watch on the condition of the players. The Bears will play a scrimmage against Warren County High School next Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.
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Lady Bears tame Laney Wildcats in season opener
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer
      What a way to start the season. The Lady Bears softball team beat Lucy Laney High School 17-5 Monday afternoon in their first game of the season. Head coach Donald Wheeler was proud to see such a strong offense from the girls, who scored in every inning except the fifth.
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Boxing champ
     Julius Thomas, 14, won the Rosa Jackson Boxing Tournament in Macon. According to OJ Frazier, head coach of the Waynesboro Boxing Club, Julian worked his way to the title through three tough fights. The 189- pounder has only been boxing for two years. "It's hard to get fights for him," Frazier said. "He's so big for his age." Fellow club member Michael Ward was runner-up in his division. The 138-lb. 14-year-old won his first match, but lost the second in a split decision. "It was close," Frazier said. "He fought a gallant fight." Currently, the boxing club has 15 members from age eight to 28. They practice 6-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at their club on Wallace Street. Anyone interested in boxing or volunteering is encouraged to stop by.
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'Iron Man' wins track championship
     Jamie Walker, known locally as the "Iron Man," was crowned the 2007 Track Champion at Carolina Dragway on Aug. 5. Walker was down five rounds going into the last points race, but his victory left him tied with the points leader, who he then defeated in the run-off race. Walker also won the 2007 Ultimate Doorslammer in Pageland, S.C., and placed at the 2007 World FootBrake Challenge in Bristol, Tenn. Walker says sponsors have played a major roll in his teams success this season. His race team is sponsored by William Mizell Ford, Cates Firestone, Tim's Race Cars, Jeff's Muffler and Brake, Randy Anderson Racing and Furman Pyles (engine builder).
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