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Spring sports wrap up: BCHS track, golf, soccer
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Editor’s note: This is the second part of a spring sports highlights story submitted by coaches at Bryan County High School.

BOYS TRACK

Coach Tim Adams’ take: “The senior boys track member and their events: were Austin Boggs, 4x100, 400 meters and 4x400; Steven Calhoun, 1,600 and 3,200 meters; Phillip Covington, shot put and discus; and Kyle Hines, who ran the 4x100, 4x400, 100 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles; Daedrian Reese, shot put and 4x100.

“With the exception of Kyle Hines and Austin Boggs these seniors had very little to no previous experience in track. In fact, the entire boys track team had very little previous experience in track and field. But these guys came to practice and put forth effort to get better. This improvement was obvious when we participated in our two meet, especially the last Statesboro hosted meet. It is a shame we could not finish the season because I believe we would have surprised a few people when region rolled around.

I must say that the one person, who was without a doubt the leader and most dependable, was Connor Arnold. He led by example and was willing to try any event at any time.”

Others who contributed: Memphis Coe, Justin Daniel, Anthony Gaines, Cameron Gusman, Isaiah Hunt, Will Kroyman, Anthony Langley, Kadrian Lee, Naythan Lee, John Richardson and Terrell Singleton.

GIRLS TRACK

From girls’ track coach Tawauna Dixon “Girl’s track started off with a promising season.

We were working hard and had the potential to make great strides this season.

Shot put and Discus throwers, Tynashya Anthony and Mackensie Bailey showed early signs of growth in our only meet of the season.

Newcomers had a chance to see how they stacked up against the competition and identify opportunities to grow. Junior Jayonna Calhoun and Sophmore Anderia Jackson showcased their competitive spirit in both track and field events.”

GOLF

From golf coach Brent Anderson: “The BCHS golf team was led by Seniors Nash Godwin and Rayanna Davidson. Nash has been a part of the BCHS Golf Team for four years.

Rayanna has been a part of the BCHS Golf Program for two years.

“Both student athletes have been our “Number One” golfer for each match the past two years. They have both seen their scores improve over the past seasons, and we were very excited for what they were bringing to the team this year.

“The other student athletes that make up the team include Kevin Fadden, Chris Graham, Noah Pittman, Taylor Pittman, Will Kroyman, and Hunter Barnes.

“We are deeply saddened for our Seniors that didn’t get to fulfill their senior season. We were expecting great things from our veteran players. I encourage both of them as they both continue on in their journey. As for our returning players, I’m encouraged that they will come back as hungry as before.

BOYS SOCCER

From coach Bob Betz: “The Bryan County 2020 boys’ soccer team and season is a story of a very young team that would be denied its full potential. The team is quite a young one, with 13 of the team’s roster of 19 consisting of underclassmen! This youth and inexperience were evident in many of the matches this year, but improvement by all players was obvious.

While the team’s success from a results perspective was not met, the group were really starting to come together as a unit on the pitch. Evidence of the growth could be observed when the team went toe-totoe with 3 top ten ranked teams for a half each, eventually succumbing to greater experience from strong teams. The 2020 team will be remembered not only for it’s youth, but also it’s work ethic at practice and in matches, its enthusiasm for learning the skills and gaining knowledge of the game, and most importantly, learning how to become a team and work together to achieve goals.

“The 2020 team had great leadership from its three seniors, Miguel Escamilla, Christian Hilliard, and Jack Perry. Miguel’s silent and calm leadership displayed the hard work and efforts needed to improve individual to help become a better teammate. Christian was always available to help the team out however was needed, he would be the first to volunteer to do things for the team and performed his duties with pride. Jack Perry was the undisputed leader of this team, showing the team how important details had to be done to be successful, from warm-up to game time tactics, Jack was like having another coach on the field, as he has been during his entire time at BCHS.

Returning goalkeeper Carson Harvey let the junior class, returning for his 2nd straight year as the starting keeper and provided invaluable leadership on and off the pitch. Carson had some outstanding matches in goal, impressing not only his teammates but the opposing teams!

Returning underclassmen Elijah Gray, Connor Story, and Chrystian Gordon provided stability and evidence of their abilities to become future leaders for our program. Newcomers Sam Smiley, Chris Graham, Chris Patel, and Ernie Hernandez improved as the season went and all had the opportunity to gain valuable playing time, some as part time starters. Several standout newcomers/ underclassmen directly contributed to the team, to include some earing starting positions.

Freshmen Jarrod Lavant, Kameron Boggs, and Kelly Longino became season long starters and grew exponentially in their play during the season while Tyler Zeigler and James Ortner were key contributors as freshmen. The 2020 Bryan County boys’ soccer team will remembered as one that set the stage for future success. They work hard and with pride to establish their program and build traditions that set a standard for success. It is sad this team did not get the opportunity to finish a season to demonstrate their growth and the future success of BCHS soccer. MVP: Jack Perry Offensive POY: Kelly Longino Defensive POY: Carson Harvey Outstanding Newcomer: Jarrod Lavant Most Improved: Kameron Boggs

GIRLS SOCCER

From coach Gretchen Simpson: “The Bryan County High School girls soccer team was extremely disappointed to see their season cut short when the school year was placed on hold mid-March. The team, a small group, was composed of four freshmen (Emery Adams, Maegan Beck, Courtney Craven, Graci Strickland), three sophomores (Amber Craven, Jenna Hopper, Kyndal Leggett), six juniors (Stormi Bush, Daxne Carrera, Alexis Hovis, Carmen Hutchinson, Victoria Liddell, Yasmine Rivera), and two seniors (Samantha Hovis, Megan Robenolt).

For a regulation soccer match, 11 players take the field. However, injuries and scheduling conflicts often put the team at 12 or fewer players. The team had to face many challenges, but they continued to have a positive mindset and adapt to the changes that were thrown our way. Many of the girls played every minute of each 80 minute game every time they met an opponent for a match.

While the team was only able to complete half of their season, the highlight of the completed games was the game against Bacon County. The regulation time ended in a tie, which sent the game into overtime. It was at that moment that the team gathered their strength, blocked out the stands, and took ownership of the field. Scoring 2 more goals in extended time, the Redskins were ecstatic over the well-fought win.

“This season the team will say goodbye to two of its own. Megan Robenolt, who was extremely active with JROTC, served as Command Sergeant Major and supported her group as they earned back their gold star. She also held a leadership position for Drill team-Drill Commander, and was Vice President of the Service Club. Megan was a proud member of the soccer team and enjoyed working with teammates that have become friends and her coaches. In the fall, Megan will attend Mary Baldwin University, majoring in Social Work.

“Samantha Hovis, while completing her time at BCHS, also successfully completed a degree program in welding at Savannah Technical College and graduated in March.

She led the team in goals scored for the past two years, and was an extremely versatile player. She had experience and knowledge of both offensive and defensive positions.

Her time as a soccer player began when she was very young, and her ability to control the ball on the field was a huge asset to the Redskin team.

“This season was not all a loss, as the few games that we participated in created very positive memories. Next season the team will be led by the six returning juniors.

Their effort to improve and determination to win were evident throughout this season and will serve as an excellent foundation for the 2020-2021 team.

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