East Cobb Sports & Recreation

Noonday Shanty 5K/10K run draws nearly 400 participants

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Noonday Shanty 5K/10K run draws 400 participants

Submitted information and photos:

A perfect spring morning set the stage for nearly 400 runners and walkers to lace up their sneakers and hit the Noonday Creek Trail for the fourth annual Noonday Shanty 5K/10K. Held Saturday, March 22, the popular race – presented by Avonlea Apartments and benefiting the Town Center Community Alliance – offered participants a chance to connect, compete and spend time with family and friends.

Featuring USA Track and Field-certified 5K and 10K courses, the event welcomed athletes of all ages and skill levels to experience some of the area’s most scenic landmarks and attractions, including Aviation Park, Cobb International Airport and Fifth Third Bank Stadium. In addition to supporting local green space and park improvements, the race also provided runners an opportunity to qualify for the AJC Peachtree Road Race.

“Now in our fourth year, the Noonday Shanty has grown into one of the community’s favorite traditions,” said Jennifer Hogan, director of community engagement at Town Center Community. “We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors, local businesses, volunteers and nearly 400 runners who made this an event to remember.”

Participants who made their mark with the fastest times in the 5K and 10K are listed below.

Overall 5K winners:

  • Female – Marie Reed, Acworth, GA, 25:07
  • Male – Andrew Yankowsky, Marietta, GA, 18:07

Masters 5K winners:

  • Female – Marisol Odom, Dallas, GA, 25:25
  • Male – TJ Staritz, Marietta, GA, 22:11

Overall 10K winners:

  • Female – Micah Weathers, Statham, GA, 39:11
  • Male – Kevin Rymut, Atlanta, GA, 37:45

Masters 10K winners:

  • Female – Shannon Fulcher, Dallas, GA, 45:33
  • Male – Grant Baker, Atlanta, GA, 38:14

For a complete list of winners by age group, visit this website.

For more information about Town Center Community, the race and results, visit this website.

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We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are enjoying the spring, and year round!

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

 

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Walton football inviting alumni for 50th anniversary celebration

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Walton High School football coach Daniel Brunner is inviting all former Raiders football players for a special ceremony at the spring football game on May 15.Walton football inviting alumni for 50th anniversary celebration

In a social media posting this week, Brunner said that alumni will be honored at the spring game as part of the school’s 50th anniversary celebration.

There will be a special open house at the school (1590 Bill Murdock Road) on April 19 (details here), and the football portion of the celebration will take place at Raider Valley starting at 7 p.m.

Alumni will be recognized at halftime of the Walton game against Cambridge.

Former Walton football players are asked to sign up at this link if they’re interested in attending and/or staying in touch with the program.

According to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association, Walton is 356-198-1 in 49 seasons of varsity football.

The Raiders have won nine region championships in that time. They have reached the state finals twice, in 2011 and 2023, and the semifinals three times.

Walton’s 50th season kicks off on Aug. 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in the Corky Kell Classic against McEachern.

 

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Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

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Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day
All photos by Katie Beth Rogers, Mt. Bethel Church

Submitted information and photos:

Opening day at Mt. Bethel Church recreation was Saturday, March 15 with a record number of post-covid participation filling the fields and the gyms.

Nearly 1000 athletes ages 4 -12 and 200 coaches from the Mt. Bethel Church community in East Cobb County  played soccer, volleyball, flag football and baseball.

“Spring has definitely sprung around here” said Mt. Bethel Director of Recreation Dan Boswell. “We’ve seen a steady increase in registration of our year-round program especially in the past two years.”

In 2024 the recreation ministry, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, fielded over 2,350 athletes with the support of 550 coaches. That represented all seasons and summer camps combined. “We are especially pleased by this spring season’s growth and are honored at the opportunity to reach so many families in our East Cobb community who love sports and our church,” said Boswell.

Mt. Bethel Church is here to lead people to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus Christ. We serve our community in truth, freedom and purpose of God’s Word. The church is located at 4385 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta, GA. It serves the East Cobb County Georgia and international online communities with worship, connection, training and the pursuit of God to multiply leaders for the broader Church. Please visit us at mtbethel.org and find us on social for more information on Mt. Bethel Church or summer activities for children’s recreation or camps.

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization,. We love to get photos like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more, to share with the community.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are enjoying the spring, and year round!

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

 

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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Wheeler boys basketball team wins 10th state championship

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Wheeler boys basketball team wins 10th state championship
Wheeler players celebrate with the GHSA trophy. GPB screengrab

After building a 14-point lead in the second quarter, the Wheeler Wildcats had to claw out their 10th boys basketball state championship the hard way on Saturday.

They trailed heading into the fourth quarter, and were holding on to a slender 57-55 lead against Newton in the final minute when “they found a way,” in the words of coach Larry Thompson.

That’s when junior Colben Landrew stepped up, scoring the final 10 points as Wheeler prevailed 61-56 in Macon to win the Class 6A Georgia High School Association crown.

Landrew had 21 points and guard Kevin Savage had 17 for Wheeler (29-3), which becomes only the sixth school, boys or girls, to win 10 or more state titles.

As the clock expired, Thompson was overcome with emotion. It was his fourth state title at Wheeler, and the Wildcats’ fourth in the last six years.

But he was thinking about the last time his team won the state championship, in 2023.

That was the last time his now-late mother would see her son coach, as he told Georgia Public Broadcasting after the game.

Wheeler coach Larry Thompson is overcome with emotion after winning another state title.

“These guys were nothing but great,” Thompson said of his current players, who won their last 21 consecutive games.

They roared to a 29-15 lead before Newton (21-10) reeled off a 15-5 run to end the half, with Wheeler clinging to a 34-30 lead.

Wheeler pushed ahead to stay midway in the fourth quarter. A 3-pointer by Zach Harden got Newton to within two at 57-55, but that’s when Landrew stepped up.

He made four free throws in the final 17 seconds to clinch the championship.

“We had to dig deep to find a little more toughness,” Thompson said.

“These guys found a way and they found a way all year.”

 

 

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Wheeler boys basketball team seeking 10th state championship

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UPDATED:

Wheeler held off Newton 61-56 Saturday for its 10th state title.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

The Wheeler boys basketball team travels to Macon for a Saturday date in the Georgia High School Association Class 6A state championship game.Wheeler High School Fall 2017 Senior Projects, Wheeler athletic hall of fame

The Wildcats (28-3) will be playing Newton at 7:30 p.m. at the Macon Coliseum, in pursuit of the school’s 10th state title and their fourth in the last six years.

A livestream of the game will be shown on Georgia Public Broadcasting at this link.

Only five other schools in Georgia history have won 10 state titles, and Wheeler’s dynasty stretches back more than 30 years.

It was in 1994 that Wheeler won its first state title, with future college star Shareef Abdur-Rahim. That was under coach Doug Lipscomb, whose tenure set off a long line of Wildcat standouts who went on to star in college and professional basketball.

Coach Larry Thompson has three titles at Wheeler under his belt, and has quickly rebuilt after the 2023 state title led by guard Isaiah Collier, now playing with the NBA’s Utah Jazz.

Senior forward Tylis Jordan, who will be attending the University of Mississippi, leads this Wheeler team, which has won 20 games in a row.

Wheeler defeated Grayson in the semifinals last weekend. The Class 6A title game almost became an all-Cobb County affair, but Newton (21-9) held off Pebblebrook in the other semifinal.

The Walton boys team reached the Class 6A quarterfinals, equalling the Raiders’ best finish in the school history. In Class 5A, the Sprayberry boys reached the second round, and in Class 4A, the Kell boys, a state champion in 2024, were eliminated in the first round.

In the GHSA’s private school classification, the Mt. Bethel Christian Academy boys reached the second round, as did The Walker School boys.

In the girls state tournament, the Lassiter reached the second round in the Class 5A tournament, and the Kell girls did the same in the Class 4A tournament. The Mt. Bethel Christian and The Walker School girls were eliminated in the first round of the private school tournament.

 

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Cobb PARKS announces registration for summer activities

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Hyde Farm Nature Camp
Plenty of spring activities will be getting underway starting next week at Hyde Farm.

Next week registration begins for a number of summer camps, recreation programs and other activities offered by Cobb PARKS.

You can register online at this link and get more information, including fees, dates, locations and more/

Here’s a sampling:

Recreation Center Day Camps
Registration opens March 5 at noon.
Sign up for one-week sessions, June 2 – Aug. 1.

Locations:

  • Fair Oaks Recreation Center
  • Fullers Recreation Center
  • Ron Anderson Recreation Center
  • Ward Recreation Center

Cobb Therapeutics Camp Horizon  

A highly mobile indoor/outdoor camp for ages 7- 21 with developmental, mental, and physical disabilities. Activities include arts, nature, music, sports, swimming, pet therapy, and dance. Campers are grouped for comfort and participation. One-on-one care is not available. New campers require a preregistration assessment (appointments available weekdays until 5 p.m.). Contact: Matt Ulmer (770-528-2569)

Registration opens Wednesday, March 5 at noon.

Art Camps
Registration opens 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 5.
Locations:

  • The Art Station – Big Shanty
  • The Art Place – Mountain View
  • Mable House Arts Center
  • Sewell Mill Cultural Center

Nature and History Camps
Nature Camp at Hyde Farm Park, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m, June 23 – 27, for grades 3 – 5. Registration begins 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 5 on Civic Rec.

History Camp at Green Meadows Preserve: June 2 – 5. Registration begins 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 5 here.

In addition, here’s a selected list of activities that are scheduled to begin in early and mid-March, and for which registration is still available:

Open Garden Time (45161)
March 6, Thursday, 9 – 11 a.m. Register here.
March 8, Saturday, 10 a.m. – noon Register here.
Wright Center. All ages. 
Come explore the trails and native plant gardens of the Wright Environmental Education Center. During open garden time, you can walk the trails, visit the Jean Wright museum, and a master gardener volunteer will be on site to answer questions about the plants you see.

Forest Bathing (45627)
March 11, Tuesday, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Hyde Farm Park        
All ages. Register here.
Forest bathing is a Japanese practice that involves spending time in a forest to relax and connect with nature. 

Farm Friday: Garden Prep (45108)
March 14, Friday, 9 a.m. – noon
Hyde Farm Park
All ages. Register here.    
Join us for Farm Friday, a hands-on garden education and volunteer program. This month, we are learning about garden prep, including soil amendments, mulching, and more.  

Homeschool at Hyde (39756)
March 20, Thursday, 10 a.m. – noonHyde Farm Park
Ages 6 – 13. Register here. 
Pollution Solutions: Understand various pollution sources and their impacts, create repurposed art, and participate in a cleanup hike to beautify the park.
Georgia Wildlife Trackers (45186)
March 29, Saturday, 9 – 10 a.m.
Hyde Farm Park
Ages 10 and up. Register here.     
Join Georgia Wildlife Trackers Club to learn to identify wildlife tracks, understand their behaviors, and contribute to conservation efforts. We will take a walk around the pond and visit the wildlife education trail in search of wildlife track and sign.Hyde In Season: History (44637)
March 29, Saturday, 10 – 11 a.m.
Hyde Farm Park
All ages. Register here.
A walking history tour, where you’ll get an up-close look at Hyde Farm’s historic buildings and learn about the rich history of the area.
And here are upcoming activities at Fullers Recreation Center in East Cobb:

Hunter Athletics Cheer and Acrobatics
Mar. 4 – April 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Ages 5 – 12. Register here.

Senior Pickleball Lessons
March 4 – May 29
Ages 55 and up. Register here.

Home School Programs
March 5 – May 30, Wednesdays and Fridays
Ages 5 – 13. Register here.

Comic Book Kids (45171)
March 5 – April 9, Wednesdays, 6 – 7 p.m.
Ages 7 – 10. Register here.

Volleyball Training
March 6 – June 6
Ages 10 – 14. Register here.

Gideon Warriors School of Martial Arts (45106)
March 15, Saturdays, 9 a.m. – noon
Ages 5 and up. Register here.

Related:

 

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Junior League to hold pickleball tournament at Olde Towne

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Submitted information: Junior League to hold pickleball tournament at Olde Towne

The Cobb-Marietta Junior League is excited to announce the Serve Up Some Good Pickleball Tournament, taking place in March 22, 2025. This event will bring together pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to compete in a fun, fast-paced tournament while supporting the Junior League’s mission of giving back to the community.

The Serve Up Some Good Tournament is designed to promote both healthy competition and the spirit of service. Participants will enjoy a thrilling day of pickleball, while proceeds from the event will directly benefit local charities and initiatives supported by the Cobb-Marietta Junior League.

  • Event Details:
  • Date: March 22, 2025
  • Location: Olde Towne Athletic Club – 4950 Olde Towne Parkway, Marietta GA 30068 Registration: Event Info

The tournament will feature several divisions based on skill level, including men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the sport, there’s a place for you at Serve Up Some Good.

How You Can Get Involved:

Participate: Grab your paddle and join the action by registering for the tournament. Teams can sign up online at Event Info Donate: Individuals and businesses are encouraged to make donations to help fund local projects and initiatives. Donations can be made online at JLCM.org.

Sponsor: Local businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor the event, providing essential support for the tournament while receiving valuable exposure within the community.

For more information about the tournament or to get involved, please visit JLCM.org or contactvpcommunications@jlcm.org.

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Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy to honor Jimmy Carter

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Submitted information:Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy to honor Jimmy Carter

The Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) will honor the late President Jimmy Carter with the Hightower Award at its annual Party for the Park fundraiser on March 25, 2025. This signature event, supporting the preservation and enjoyment of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), will be held for the first time at Ivy Hall in Roswell Mill, overlooking Vickery Creek, a treasured part of the national park system that Carter himself helped establish.

A lifelong advocate for environmental conservation, President Carter signed the legislation creating Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park Service on August 15, 1978. His enduring commitment to public lands and environmental stewardship has left a profound impact on Georgia and beyond. The Hightower Award, named in honor of longtime CRNRA Park Ranger Jerry Hightower, recognizes those whose efforts and dedication have had a lasting and positive impact on the CRNRA and its community.

“President Jimmy Carter’s vision and leadership were instrumental in the creation of CRNRA,” said CNPC Board President Peter Coffman. “His dedication to conservation and public lands has left an incredible legacy, not just for our park here in Georgia, but across the country. It is a great honor to recognize him with the Hightower Award and to celebrate the impact he has had on preserving the places we cherish.”

As CNPC’s largest annual fundraiser, Party for the Park is a celebration of the community’s commitment to preserving and enhancing CRNRA. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a silent auction, and a program featuring special guest speakers, all in support of ensuring a sustainable future for the park. Proceeds from the event will directly fund trail rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and community engagement initiatives that enhance visitor experiences.

“Party for the Park is a celebration of our community’s commitment to preserving and enhancing Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area,” said CNPC Executive Director Brittany Jones. “This park is a place of adventure, reflection, and connection, and we all have a role in keeping it thriving. The funds we raise go right back into the trails we hike, the waterways we paddle, and the habitats that make this place so special.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at chattahoocheeparks.org/CNPC2025.

ABOUT CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL PARK CONSERVANCY

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official friends group and primary philanthropic partner for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), a unit of the National Park System. Its mission is to enhance CRNRA by building community, enriching lives, and catalyzing support to ensure a sustainable national park for future generations. Through conservation initiatives, trail restoration, volunteer programs, and community engagement, CNPC works to preserve and improve this treasured greenspace. Learn more at chattahoocheeparks.org.

ABOUT CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Designated as a unit of the National Park System in 1978, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area preserves and protects the natural and cultural resources of the 48-mile Chattahoochee River corridor from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. The park annually welcomes over 3,000,000 visitors.

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Walton HS basketball players reach 1,000-point milestone

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Walton HS basketball players reach 1,000-point milestone

Submitted information and photo:

Cobb Schools’ Athlete of the Week (AOW) program is a weekly recognition of male and female student-athletes performing at high levels in their sport, classroom, and school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN Sports.

This week’s winners are basketball players from Walton. Graycen Ehlen is a senior starter for the Lady Raiders, and Caesar Burrows is a senior starter for the boy’s team.

Graycen Ehlen, Basketball, Walton

A four-year starter for the Lady Raiders, Graycen began playing basketball in the fourth grade with the Junior Raider program. She currently leads the team in points, steals, assists, and blocks. She was recently honored for scoring her 1000th career point. She has a 3.4 GPA and will attend Mississippi State in the fall to play soccer for the Bulldogs.

“Graycen has been a huge part of our program’s success over the past few seasons, including a region championship in 2023 and advancing to the Sweet 16 in both 2023 and 2024,” said her coach, Matt Kelterborn. “She was also selected to the GBCA/GACA 7A All-State team for basketball last year as a junior. She is the main engine for our team, and they look up to her greatly. She is also an outstanding goalie on the Walton Soccer team and will be attending Mississippi State next year on a soccer scholarship.”

“She leads by example. Graycen is well-respected and a hard worker in the classroom. She serves as a role model for the other kids in our program, and her teammates and coaches have the highest respect for her on and off the court,” concluded Coach Kelterborn about his Athlete of the Week.

Caesar Burrows, Basketball, Walton

A three-year starter and a four-year varsity player for the Raiders, Caesar also just scored his 1000th career point. He has been a part of the Walton basketball program since the fifth grade when he started playing with the junior program. Caesar leads the team in points, assists, and rebounds, and he is an all-star in the classroom, too, with a 3.73 GPA. Caesar will be furthering his academic and athletic career at Lehigh University on a basketball scholarship. 

“Caesar is the ultimate team leader,” said Raider Boys Head Coach Bo Abney. “He leads on the court with his play, attitude, and unselfishness. His on-court accomplishments speak for themselves, but off the court, he is a great student and well-respected by all his teachers. He is also involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes as a member of the FCA student leadership team.”

“His example for our younger athletes is something that makes him special and someone they can look up to. Caesar truly exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete,” said Coach Abney proudly.

 

 

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Registration continues for 2025 Walton Raider Chase 5K

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Submitted information:Registration continues for 2025 Walton Raider Chase 5K

The 45th Annual Walton Raider Chase, a Peachtree Qualifier, will be held on Saturday, February 8th! Considered to be one of the long-standing 5K races in Marietta, the team’s only fundraiser is expected to generate fast times as the course is composed of few hills and starts and finishes at Walton High School. The Walton Raider Chase 5K will be a celebration of both running and Raider Pride. Enjoy an Olympic style track finish and age group prizes! 

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‘Crushin’ for a Cause’ event to benefit SagerStrong Foundation

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Submitted information:'Crushin’ for a Cause' event to benefit SagerStrong Foundation

Join the SagerStrong Foundation and The 6-4-3 Foundation for the second annual “Crushin’ for a Cause,”  a fun, baseball-themed, family event February 1st  in Marietta!  Sports fans of all ages are invited to join us for Crushin’ for a Cause – a baseball-themed festival-style afternoon of good food, family fun and games, baseball opportunities, music, silent auction and more, all leading up to the Celebrity Home Run Derby, featuring 6-4-3, KSU, and Sprayberry Alum and Braves prospect Tyler Tolve along with players from the Astros, Cardinals, Dodgers, Reds, Rangers and Tigers Organizations!  Last year’s winner was Michael Trautwein, with the Reds Organization! 

Tickets are only $15 in advance, and all proceeds will benefit The 6-4-3  Foundations Scholarship Program which benefits families in need in the Marietta area, and metro Atlanta,  and the SagerStrong Foundations blood cancer research initiatives to support pediatric cancer patients and their families in their fight against blood cancer in metro Atlanta.

**There is also an opportunity to watch an amateur HR Derby, prior to the professionals, see the link below for more info!

“Last year’s event was such a great time – raising funds for The 6-4-3 Foundation and Sager Strong Foundation that we decided to make it an annual event!” said Tyler Tolve, 6-4-3 Alum, and Mississippi Braves Catcher. “I wanted to make a difference, and pay it forward, and raise funds for younger player that have aspirations to play baseball on a professional level one day, as well as help raise funds for families dealing with the reality of blood cancer.  My great uncle had Leukemia, and my father had Multiple Myeloma, so I know the toll treatment can take on a family.  My Father and my great uncle are my inspirations, as well as Carson Rozsman… we wanted to recreate the event and help raise funds for these charities through Crushin’ for a Cause! ”

Event details are as follows:

  • Event Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
  • Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm  – event schedule online!
  • Location: Aviation Sports Complex
  • 455 Aviation Road, Marietta, GA

Website page for additional info:

Join 6-4-3 Alum Tyler Tolve and Friends for a Celebrity Home Run Derby – Sager Strong Foundation

Information on Tyler Tolve:

SagerStrong Spotlight – Meet Tyler Tolve! – Sager Strong Foundation

Click here to learn more – see the CELEBRITY LINEUP — and buy tickets today:

Crushin’ For A Cause 2025 – The 6-4-3 Foundation

Highlights of the Day:

  • Amateur Homerun Contest, sponsored by Prep Baseball Georgia–Players from Metro Atlanta Compete Prior to the Celebs!
  • Celebrity Homerun Derby – Come See the Professionals – MLB and MiLB Players Compete for Most Dingers!
  • Food trucks,  DJ, games, music, autographs and more fun for the family and true baseball fans!
  • Silent Auction, filled with Sports Items, including signed memorabilia, tickets to Braves games, Hawks game, unique one of a kind offerings, baseball equipment, and even Prep Baseball Georgia Showcase Certificates, and more!

Don’t miss it – get your tickets today to support both charities and enjoy a great day at the ballpark!

About the SAGERSTRONG Foundation:

Craig Sager was a two-time Emmy-Award winner, and Hall of Fame Sportscaster, known for his colorful suits and ties, with a personality to match. Sager succumbed to cancer in 2016. Stacy and Craig Sager started the SAGERSTRONG Foundation in the hope that, one day, leukemia patients and their families will never have to go through the battle they have endured. The mission of the SAGERSTRONG Foundation is to give hope to those who need it most, through research to find a cure and programs to support families in their fight against blood cancer.  For more information, please visit sagerstrongfoundation.org.

 

 

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Former Sprayberry HS football coach begins tenure at Etowah

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Shortly after leading the Sprayberry High School football team to its winningest season ever, coach Brett Vavra announced he was taking another job.

Brett Vavra, Sprayberry football
Former Sprayberry head coach Brett Vavra at the East Cobb Pigskin Preview.

Earlier this month, Vavra began his tenure at Etowah High School at Cherokee County.

This week, he penned a farewell letter to the Sprayberry community (he’s a Sprayberry grad) where he taught and coached for eight years.

“There have been ups and downs, but it has been an incredible ride,” he said in a social media posting on Monday. “The positive relationships that I have established over the years with my players, coaching staff, parents, booster club, faculty an administration have been nothing short of amazing and it is the exact reason I wanted to become a coach 20+ years ago.”

Vavra added that “while this moment is extremely bittersweet for me, I know that I’m leaving Sprayberry in a good place. . . . Once a Jacket, always a Jacket.”

When he announced his decision in December, Vavra told the MDJ that he was returning to Etowah, where he previously was an assistant coach, for family reasons.

His family lives in Woodstock and his daughter is a student at Etowah, and he told the newspaper “it was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.”

Vavra was 41-45 in his eight seasons at Sprayberry and 11-2 in 2024, when the Yellow Jackets won Region 6AAAAA and reached the Georgia High School Association Class 5A semifinals.

Etowah was 2-8 last season and has struggled in recent years.

Vavra’s successor at Sprayberry has not been named.

 

 

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Cobb PARKS releases winter 2024-25 activity guide

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Submitted information:Cobb PARKS releases winter 2024-25 activity guide

Find a new hobby or dive into a favorite activity with Cobb PARKS winter season activity guide. The issue features an article showcasing participants in Therapeutic Recreation taking part in the Special Olympics, a holiday lineup that promises fun for the whole family, exciting events like the Holiday Artisan Market, a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt, a Galentines party, and more. Cobb recreation centers are introducing new programs, with additional offerings added throughout the season, so bookmark the page and check back often.

​​​​​​​View the new winter guide here.

 

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Pope state champion athletes honored by Cobb school district

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Pope state champion athletes honored by Cobb school district
Pope volleyball team members recognized by the Cobb Board of Education for their Class 5A state championship.

Submitted information and photo:

Pope High School recently capped off an incredible Fall Sports season by winning three 5A state championships in Volleyball and Cross Country. All three state champions were congratulated and celebrated at the December Board of Education meeting.

The 2024 Volleyball title was the Lady Greyhounds 6th championship all-time and second in the last three years. The Greyhounds won the 2022 6A title and took runner-up in 2023. Two senior players, Amanda Vlkovic and Ellis Crawford, were also recently named Cobb’s Athlete of the Week. The state champs finished the 2024 season 36-5, closing out with a 16-game win streak.

“This state title was an incredible accomplishment for us,” said Head Community Coach Erica Miller. “We didn’t start the season as strongly as in years past. We played in so many close sets that we were not afraid of stress or pressure or having to compete fiercely to win. With this earned mindset and the earned confidence that comes from proving yourself repeatedly, we accomplished our dream!”

In Cross Country, the Lady Greyhounds long-distance runners ran a crushing Final 5A race in Carrollton, placing runners first, second, eighth, ninth, and thirteenth. Their overall score was 29 points. To put this in perspective, second-place McIntosh scored 152 points, giving Pope a huge margin of victory of 123 points! This team is full of talent, including overall individual state champion (and AOW winner) Josie Hutchinson. Josie outran the field to finish the 5K race at 19:15.40, nine seconds faster than her second-place teammate, Aislynn Dunn. The other three Pope finishers were Kate Rytlewski (8), Louise Delgado (9), and Ahna Hicks (13). To make things even more interesting, four of these girls are underclassmen, which means this team will be dominant for years to come.

“These ladies all have an incredible amount of talent,” said Head Coach Cathi Monk. “Winning the state title was actually a relief. Having as much team talent as we did challenged the coaching staff to make sure we did all the little things to make sure the girls were successful. Pope has a culture of inspiring athletes to do extraordinary things, and I am glad this team was able to contribute to that.”

Another highlight at Pope is their Flag Football team, which won last year’s Division 3 state championship over District rival Allatoona. This year’s team is picking up right where last year’s left off by winning Area 6 to host the first round of the playoffs. Their overall record is 21-2, and the team is ranked #73 nationally and #7 in the state. Junior QB Abbey Bensman was recently named the Division 3 Area 6 Player of the Year, and senior receiver Addie Daughtry was named Area Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, senior defender Mac Wiley was selected as Area Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

The Greyhounds Flag team took full advantage of playing at home and downed Chattahoochee and Hughes in the first round on Thursday night (December 5). They now advance to play Peach County in the Quarterfinals on December 9.

“It’s a special time around here right now,” said Greyhound Athletic Director Josh Mathews. “All these teams have been impressive, exhibiting top-level focus and determination. As someone who sees a lot of athletic events each year, these teams have demonstrated high levels of excellence. Excellence is uncommon, but Pope has been displaying it on the court, the course, and the field this year.”

That excellence is also being recognized at the collegiate level. Pope’s Class of 2025 has already had 17 student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent to pursue their sport and education at the next level. This represents 3.6% of the senior class, nearly double the national average of 2%. These athletic and academic standouts represent ten sports and 14 schools from the Power Five, D1, D2, NAIA, and D3 levels.

“This group shows why we have had such great performances over the last few years. With another signing day still to come in April, this will be one of Pope’s largest classes of college signees. Watching these young women and men obtain this highly sought-after opportunity to play at the next level has been a true treat. I can’t wait to see how they each further their educational and athletic careers in college and beyond,” concluded AD Mathews proudly.

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Sprayberry football advances in playoffs; sets wins record

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The Sprayberry High School football team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Georgia High School Association Class 5A playoffs Friday with a 35-7 win over Newnan.Sprayberry football, East Cobb football

In doing so, the Yellow Jackets also set a school record for most victories in a season.

Sprayberry scored five unanswered touchdowns in the second half at Jim Frazier Stadium to move to 11-1 on the season.

Kell was defeated 42-35 Friday in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs as the Longhorns’ season ended with a 7-5 record.

According to Georgia High Football Historians Association records, the only other time Sprayberry has recorded double-digit wins in a season was in 1982. In that year, the Jackets also reached the quarterfinals in going 10-3.

No other Sprayberry team has ever advanced past that stage in 69 seasons of varsity football. In 1977, the Jackets were 8-3 and lost in the quarterfinals.

Head coach Brett Vavra has a record of 41-44 since taking over in 2017, posting three 6-5 seasons in that time.

Sprayberry has reached the playoffs for three consecutive years.

But this year, the Jackets have been dominant from the start, scoring no fewer than 23 points in a game.

Their only loss came to East Cobb rival Pope by a 34-23 score on Sept. 6.

They rolled over their next six opponents to win Region 6-AAAAA, then downed Lanier 27-14 last week to start the playoffs.

Sprayberry will have to hit the road on Friday in its quarterfinal game against No. 2 Lee County (12-0), a perennial powerhouse and state champion in 2017 and 2018.

Only one other Cobb public high school team is still in the playoffs: Hillgrove, which advanced to the Class 6A quarterfinals.

North Cobb Christian also advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class 3A-A private school division.

Walton and Wheeler reached the Class 6A playoffs but were defeated in the first round.

 

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Deadline nears for Cobb PARKS Fun in the Park photo contest

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Mabry Park Opening
Mabry Park

Submitted information:

As you have enjoyed your Cobb parks and activities, take a few minutes to go through your favorite photos and submit your best to the Fun in the Park photo contest. You can enter photos of sports, nature, wildlife and anything else that shows why you enjoy spending time in Cobb’s parks, facilities and at events. Enter up to 10 of your best shots in the 20th annual contest. The competition is open to all photographers, amateur and pro. The entry deadline is Nov. 4. See the rules and download the entry form on the photo contest web page.

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Update: Johnson Ferry North trail entrance reopens

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Update: Johnson Ferry North trail entrance reopens
Screenshot

Here’s an update to our report from last month about the temporary closure of the entrance to the Johnson Ferry North trail, due to repairs.

The entrance is at 301 Johnson Ferry Road, just north of the Chattahoochee River, and across from the entrance to Columns Drive

Reader Bob sent us the following report and the map above:

With the closure of JF North, I started running the trail from the Hyde Farm side.  There was a point on the trail that linked back to the Johnson Ferry North parking lot that had been blocked off with netting to prevent anyone from using that section, but today when I ran, that netting no longer existed.  I noted the section below that had been blocked off previously that is now reopened.  At the point where I turned around, there was still work going on but I probably could have gotten all the way to the JF North parking lot if I had wanted to.

The closures lasted a little more than the month anticipated by the National Park Service and was to construct a new culvert.

 

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East Cobb Park featured in Cobb PARKS fall activities guide

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East Cobb Park is featured in the Cobb PARKS fall activities guide, which includes listings of classes, events and other happenings through the end of the year at county parks and recreation centers and cultural facilities.East Cobb Park featured in Cobb PARKS fall activities guide

There’s a full-page spread about the park on pp. 50-51, as well as other spotlights on recreational activities for youth and adults, as well as information about art and music classes, swimming and tennis lessons, yoga and exercise classes, therapeutic programs and special events.

There are also listings of each facility in the county, including address, hours and contact information.

The guide is online and is available by clicking here; more info at Cobb PARKS website.

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Johnson Ferry North trail entrance closing temporarily

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Johnson Ferry North trail entrance closing temporarily

The entrance to the Johnson Ferry North trails of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area will close for about a month starting on Monday due to the construction of a culvert.

The National Park Service said in a social media posting Friday that there will be heavy machinery and cranes in the area and that there “will be no access to the trails at JFN from this entrance while this work is being done.”

The entrance is located at 301 Johnson Ferry Road, just north of the Chattahoochee River, and across from the entrance to Columns Drive (see blue star on map above).

The parking lot for the trails and a nearby boat ramp will remain open, and hikers can access the Johnson Ferry North trails via Hyde Farm.

Completion of the culvert work is expected to be finished by Oct. 9, according to the NPS, which has posted signs at the entrance explaining the closure.

The Johnson Ferry North portion of the Chattahoochee NRA has nine separate trails that stretch north along the river to Mulberry Creek, and connects with the Gold Branch Unit that’s located off Lower Roswell Road to the north and the Johnson Ferry South trails along Columns Drive.

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Cobb Make-A-Wish 5K returns in October after 5-year hiatus

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Submitted information:Cobb Make-A-Wish 5K returns in October after 5-year hiatus

After a five-year hiatus, the Make-A-Wish Georgia 5K is back, promising a fun-filled, family-friendly event on Oct. 5that supports granting wishes for critically ill children in Cobb County.

Currently, 15 critically ill children in Cobb are waiting for their wishes, which range from travel experiences and medical equipment to meeting celebrities.

“We are thrilled to partner with Cobb County once again with the return of the Make-A-Wish Georgia 5K,” said Tim Earley, CEO of Make-A-Wish Georgia. “This event not only helps fund life-changing wishes but also brings our community together in a fun and meaningful way.”

This year’s race will feature a shirt design by Sneha Shastri, the winner of the road race design contest. Participants can choose from seven different sponsor levels, as well as options for individual and team entries in both timed and untimed categories. The Make-A-Wish 5K is also a qualifying event for the Peachtree Road Race.

The race will start and finish at the Marietta Square, offering runners and walkers the chance to experience the scenic beauty of historic Marietta.

Participants can join for a memorable day of fun and fitness, and help make wishes come true for children in Cobb County.

https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-safety/make-wish-5k

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