About Dawson County news. (Dawsonville, Georgia) 2015-current | View Entire Issue (May 22, 2019)
2B I DAWSON COUNTY NEWS I dawsonnews.com Wednesday, May 22,2019 Celebrating a year of success Dawson County track and field teams host awards banquet Above: Head Coach Arron Haynes recognizes the 27 members of the team that qualified for the state sec tionals in 2019. Left: Haynes and Assistant Coach Eddie Roberts embrace after Roberts announces his retirement. Photos by Bob Christian Dawson County News Above: The common area of Dawson County High School was filled to capacity with family and friends in support for the track and field team awards banquet. Above, right: "This team's seniors have raised the bar and changed the philosophy of the program for the better. It is a testament to their hard work and dedication," Haynes said of the team's 22 graduating seniors (three not pictured). FROM 1B Herrick back-to-back undefeated regional sea sons and leaving the program was a dif ficult part of the decision. “We talk about with our players all the time that you want to leave things better than you found it, you never want to leave a program when the cupboard is bare,” Herrick said. “For me, profes sionally, I was looking for a new chal lenge.” His first challenge in taking over the Tigers will be to recreate the high-pow ered offense previously led by DCHS all-time leading scorer Luke Chism who graduated from the team at the end of the season. Also lost to graduation were Ahmad Kamara, a bruising force under neath the net, and Trey Pruitt, an outside shooter with the ability to drive the lane. “I think there’s enough talent in place to be extremely competitive in Dawson. We did lose one phenomenal basketball player, and a couple of other pieces,” Herrick said. “But I think there is more than enough talent to reproduce what they did last year.” Working closely with Assistant Coach Will Anglin, the process of building his vision for the Tigers began with the first official team meeting on May 22 and will continue through the summer with regular work outs and minicamps. “We’re setting up our pre-season schedule already,” Herrick said. “We’ll be in the gym every single morning, every single afternoon during pre-sea- son working with those kids. Really focusing on skill development and not focus on wins, losses or that kind of stuff. Just putting in the daily work and the results will take care of themselves.” Herrick is a four-year veteran of the United States Air Force, a graduate of Berry College, where he was a two-time All-Conference Basketball player and holds a master’s degree from Georgia Southern. Herrick lives in Gainesville with his wife, Faith Herrick, and they have two children, Cameron, 14, and Kylee, 9. “We’re in a place that we really want to be, that’s what made this job even more appealing,” Herrick said. “I’m excited about the community; it’s a small-town feel. We’re going to have packed gyms three nights a week, and we’re going to build not just a team but a group of kids who really care about each other, that are respectful and care about the community. They’re going to be proud of the product we put on the floor.” FROM 1B Scrimmage upright despite having plenty of dis tance. “Our defense looks good,” Tight end and Halfback Coach Tony Kinjanko said. “Still rusty on offense, but it’s the first scrimmage of the season, for some of these kids it’s their first taste of battle at the varsity level. We saw a lot, and now we know what is coming.” Despite giving up a 57-yard touch down early in the second half, the Dawson County defense continued to control the tempo of the game, nabbing two more interceptions in the half and forcing the Dragons into three-and-out series on all but two possessions. “We struggled where we expected to struggle, and we struggled in some areas we didn’t expect,” Linebacker Coach Greg Baloga said. “But there were some areas where we were way ahead of what we thought. For example, I didn’t expect our passing reads to be so good right now.” The offense came to life for the Tigers on the first drive of the second half as sophomore quarterback Zac Holtzclaw drove the team down field behind a series of passes to senior wide receiver Riley Herndon before handing the ball to running back Will Whalen, who punched it in from two yards out to give the Tigers the lead. Freshman quarterback Keegan Stover took over under center late in the third quarter to lead the Tigers on their sec ond scoring drive of the half as he also relied on Herndon to move the ball down field but ultimately found junior Tripp Caine for the touchdown. “Knowing I had a young quarterback in the backfield I knew I had to be explosive on the field,” Herndon said. “It’s my job as a senior, to pump him up, get him ready to play.” Returning kicker Caleb Bonesteel demonstrated his power and launched a 47-yard field goal to bring the final score to 16-10 and set the expectation for another successful year. Pet of the Week! Hudson 'A off Adoption Fee Normal Prices: Dogs: $75 DOB: 1/9/2015 WEIGHT: 41 LBS Hudson is a handsome man with a lot of swag. He’s the perfect mix of a walking buddy and porch dog that will gladly hang out all day long. He walks well on a leash and knows a few tricks, but there is always room for improvement! Hudson seems to do well with most people, but would need a meet and greet for younger children. However, he does not do well with other animals, so he would need to be the only fur baby in the house. Swing by and say hi to Hudson today! You might just find your new best friend! Form °z^z ation Dawson County Humane Society 706-265-9160 | 633 Martin Road, Dawsonville adjacent to the Rock Creek Sports Complex Visit our RESALE SHOP & BOUTIQUE benefits the Wed. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | 54 S. Lumpkin Campground Rd. Humane Society AM Collision Bradley M. Maple ^Dawsonville Specialists CPA, PC () Veterinary 706-216-0992 706-216-2362 Hospital 103 Industrial Park Road, Dawsonville 2390 Thompson Road Suite 100 Dawsonville 706-265-8381 Dawson Fine Wine, Spirits & Cigars Newly Renovated! All new walk in cigar humidor and wine cellar! -fan A "A VA » \ (foul A Free and Simple Rewards Program. Collect 10 points for virtually every dollar you spend. Every 2,000 points you’ll receive a $5 reward valid on any glassware, accesories, cigars, and non-alcohlic beverages. It’s so simple! $1 Spent = 10 Points 2000 Points = $5 Reward 46 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Dawsonville, GA 30534, US (706) 265 2065
