The Commerce news. (Commerce, Ga.) 1???-current, March 02, 2016, Image 13

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The Commerce news., March 02, 2016, Image 13

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Newspaper Page TextD Like The Banks County News and The Commerce News on Facebook Follow us on Twitter ©cameronwhitlock Photos from Commerce’s season-opening track meet Page 4B MARCH 2, 2016 The Commerce News The Banks County News Phone: 706-621-7204 Fax: 706-367-8056 cameron@mainstreetnews.com Section B J.B. Hawkins Humanitarian Award Stephenson wins prestigious award Commerce coach honored with the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame's J.B. Hawkins Humanitarian Award Stephenson honored Retired Commerce coach Jimbo Stephenson accepts his award at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon last weekend. BY CAMERON WHITLOCK Longtime Commerce Middle School head football coach Jimmy (Jimbo) Stephenson was honored last weekend at the 2016 Georgia Sports Hall of Fame induction in Macon. Stephenson became the first-ever recipient of the J.B. Hawkins Humanitarian Award, an honor given in recognition of an individual that has made significant contributions to youth sports in Georgia. “It’s an unbelievable honor,” said Stephen son. “The fact that coach (Michael) Brown nominated me was an honor in itself. When we got out there and saw how big of a deal this thing really was, I thought this is some thing that common people like me don’t get to experience every day.” Stephenson, who coached football at CMS for over 40 years (1973-2014), served as a pos itive role model for countless young students and athletes. A 1968 graduate of Commerce High School, Stephenson began his coaching tenure under legendary Tiger football coach See “Stephenson” on 2B CHS Baseball Power Hitters Wrestling Swinging for the fences Drew Hulsey (14) and a host of other Tiger players con gratulate Matthew Flint (middle) after a three-run homer during the Tigers’ 11-7 win over Rabun County last week. Photo by Cameron Whitlock Tigers improve to 3-0 behind big performances at the plate BY CAMERON WHITLOCK The Diamond Tigers are swing ing for the fences. Commerce has won three con secutive games to start the season largely due to a batting lineup that has had no problem racking up big hits. In three games, the Tigers have already recorded two homeruns, one triple, six doubles and 22 singles. Head coach Steve Cotrell attributes much of the Tigers’ suc cess to hard work in the weight room. “We have swung the bat well at times and definitely the weight room has been a major factor,” he said. “The kids have worked from that aspect and coach (Michael) Brown has played a major factor in those getting stronger while in the weight room.” Commerce improved to 3-0 on Saturday following a 7-2 road win over Lincoln County. Two doubles by Matthew Flint helped Commerce grab an early lead. Flint’s first double came in the top of the first inning with two runners on base. He drove in Trevor Johnson to put the Tigers on the scoreboard. Jona than Ray scored on the following at-bat when he capitalized on a wild throw by the Lincoln County infield. The Red Devils put up their first run of the day in the bottom of the first, but the Tigers answered with another big inning in the top of the second. Triston Price, Devine Burnett and J’Varius Wood got the Tigers going with three consecutive singles to start the inning. Price See “Hitters” on 2B BCHS Boys’ Tennis Leopards sweep Athens Christian to open season Return to sender Banks County’s Hunter Payne swings at an oncoming shot during the Leopards’ matchup with Jefferson on Monday. The Banks County boys’ tennis team opened its 2016 season with a 5-0 home win over Athens Christian last Thursday. Alex Amato won his No.l singles match 8-1, while No. 2 singles player Braxton Ledfod won 8-0. Alex Vickery won 8-1 at No. 3 singles. The No. 1 doubles pair of Gabe Mar tin and Luke Schaefer defeated their opponents 8-1, while Hunter Payne and Stetson Boswell won 8-0 in their No. 2 doubles match. Banks County head coach Jim McKinney praised his squad for their performace - especially in poor con ditions. “It was a very strong start to the sea son,” said McKinney. On Monday the Leopards traveled to Jefferson where they lost a tight 4-1 contest to the hosting Dragons. Ledford got the Leopards’ sole victo ry at No. 2 singles. Banks County will travel to Athens Christian on Thursday. Georgia's best Commerce head wres tling coach Kendall Love was recently named wres tling Coach of the Year by the Georgia Wrestling Coaches Association. Love named GWCA's Coach of the Year Commerce High School head wrestling coach Kendall Love was recently named as the Georgia Wrestling Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year. Love has led the Tigers to three-consecutive state duals titles and three-consecutive traditional state titles. This season, 11 out of 14 Commerce wrestlers took home individual state champion ships, while all 14 Tiger wrestlers made the Class A finals in their respective weight classes. During his 10 years at Com merce, Love has helped trans form the Tiger wrestling program into a dynasty in Class A. Com merce has won countless area titles and fielded numerous state placers during Love’s tenure. Love credits much of his success to his wrestlers and supporting cast. “Obviously it’s a big honor,” said Love. “But it’s a lot easier to attain when you have the type of kids that we have right now. They don’t mind hard work and they don’t mind doing what they need to do to succeed. We have great assistant coaches, great parents and a great administration. I’m thrilled to get the award, but to be quite honest, there are a lot of people that need to be recognized just as much as me.” Love will be officially recog nized at next year’s GHSA State Traditional Tournament. As Geor gia’s official Coach of the Year, Love will be nominated to receive the Southeastern Regional Coach of the Year award. Regional win ners will be nominated for the USA Wrestling Coaches Associa tion’s National Coach of the Year. “I’ve been in wrestling for a long time and I can’t recall a team putting 14 in the finals at any level in any state,” said GWCA repre sentative Paul White. “So I think all the coaches voting know what an accomplishment that is.” Love won the Georgia and Southeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2006 during his tenure at Jefferson.