It’s been a long time coming on this accomplishment, but man, I could not be more ecstatic in this moment.
Finally get to say that my first ever byline in a print edition is out, and how fitting that it’s in the hometown paper!!!
A huge happy birthday to the great late Philip Lutzenkirchen. A life lost way too soon, and one heck of a football player. Made one of the biggest catches in Iron Bowl history, and I can still hear Rod Bramblett’s call vividly in my head. Continue resting easy king. War Eagle 43.
This kid is a leader unlike anyone else. So happy to see him have the opportunity to play at the next level. I’m grateful to say I got to cover his journey in high school. The Big 10 isn’t ready for what’s coming!
This is a little behind the scenes look at me getting to do the job that I love most. Telling stories is a passion of mine that I am ecstatic to continue doing. Thank you to
@mccomb_shane
and
@FootballOmhs
for allowing to tell the story of this camp, and to Jason Homan for the 📸
The Oak Mountain football team hosted a youth camp on July 26 and 27 to teach kids about many skills and fundamentals used at the high school level. Read about the experience and the camp’s impact here⬇️
Thanks to
@andrewtsimonson
for the opportunity!
NEWS:
#Auburn
has picked up another receiver out of new state champion Central-Phenix City in Dylan Gentry.
He and Cam Coleman will both suit up in the Orange and blue for Hugh Freeze.
I would be lying if I said I did not feel all of the emotions when I opened this up.
I wouldn’t be having the level of fun I’m having now if I didn’t put on the famous red coat in August of 2017. I’m in orange and blue now, but this got me started.
All love for
@OakMountainBand
Thank you Neville Arena.
The best three seasons a sports journalism major in the pep band could have asked for.
@AuburnMBB
, you are a blessing to watch.
Tyler Raley —> out🥲
@evansmityy
with another accolade to add. What a kid, competing day in and day out, no matter what the situation he faced was. This dude is a warrior, and you can’t ask for much more than what he did. Get ready
@NUFBFamily
, you’ve got a great one coming for your defense!
Oak Mountain's Evan Smith has been named this year's Player of the Year in Shelby County in a very challenging year to name the top player. He was neck-and-neck with not just some of the best players in the county but the country.
Player of the Year:
NEWS: I’m very proud to announce that I am joining the amazing team at
@theauburnwire
, part of the CFB Wire Network at
@USATODAY
!
I’m stoked to continue growing as a journalist with this group and can’t wait to put out more Auburn content! Keep a lookout for my articles soon!
The Thompson High School football program put on a fun show of teaching kids various skills at the annual summer Thompson Football Camp on July 15.
Photos by
@JrainFromAl
& Story:
Former Thompson star Ryan Peppins is heading back home to continue his college career, committing to UAB and head coach Trent Dilfer out of the transfer portal.
Story:
As you may have seen from Andrew’s tweet yesterday, I’m pleased to announce that I will beginning my official internship with the
@shelbycreporter
this week!
I can’t wait to spend the summer in the office with this great crew and continue to tell the stories of Shelby County!
Incredibly proud of Tyler’s work for us this week to help cover our magazine teams, but I’m even more proud that he got to see his alma mater win a state championship.
Follow along with him if you haven’t already. He’ll start next week as our summer sports intern!
Former Auburn offensive lineman
@ChadSlade62
is heading to be part of the staff for Moody High School on Coach Ganus’ staff. More professional experience is coming to the Blue Devil staff with this hiring. Slade was an alumni from Moody as well.
Next one is a BIG one. A guy that needs no introduction to Moody but we’re gonna do it anyways.
@ChadSlade62
has returned HOME and will be our Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach!!
@evansmityy
gets the recognition he deserves. You can describe him as a lot of things, but now one thing can combine all those things: All-Star. How about that for an accolade
@FootballOmhs
?!
Ladies and gentlemen of Auburn, I am pleased to announce that after two hard fought battles this morning I have won Finals War IV against Auburn University’s Finals Cram initiative. This is another amazing feat and I am proud to answer any questions from the press at this time.
Northwestern is getting
@evansmityy
AND
@bennett_m3
?!! This is lethal. Congratulations to a great quarterback and a great leader. Northwestern is making big moves in the recruiting realm this year. Glad I got to see Bennett play some in high school. The BIG 10 isn’t ready!!
Oak Mountain wins over James Clemens on a huge game-winning field goal from
@GMurphy_16
! What a great game and team win for the Eagles in the first round. Congratulations to
@TCrane4Au
and his squad. Oak Mountain will play the winner of Thompson and Florence next Friday!
With 2023 coming to an end, I wanted to recap and send my yearly thanks to everyone.
It has definitely been an exciting year for me in both my personal life and my professional life. I’ve traveled to many states for athletic events, and had many firsts.
Thread (1/4)
This guy has truly been a joy to know in my time at Auburn. To call him not only a co-worker, but a friend as well, has been something I will always cherish. He’s pushed bounds for Auburn and its accessibility, and I’m so proud of him for it. What an Auburn man.
I had the honor and privilege of graduating from the great Auburn University today. It has been an AMAZING 2.5 years. It’s hard to express just what my time at Auburn in the journalism program has done for me, but I might have a story coming on that…
War Eagle forever 💙🧡
Oak Mountain wins the Class 7A Area 5 area championship over Thompson. They will play against Austin in the sweet sixteen at Wallace-Hanceville next Thursday
Another great season for
@FootballOmhs
. 2 straight years in the playoffs, 2 straight trips to the quarterfinals. I can’t say enough about how much this senior class did for that program.
@TCrane4Au
: congratulations on a successful first season as head coach.
Things we love to see:
For just the SECOND time in school history, the Blue Devils are heading to the third round of the state playoffs after defeating Russellville 42-21 on Friday night.
Huge strides in this football program for second-year head coach
@jakeganus
.
Following a great 10 year run at Auburn with an overall record of 132-19, I would like to announce that I am officially taking on the job at Marshall University.
It was a great time on the Plains, but I intend to do great things in Huntington. Please respect my decision!
Former Oak Mountain soccer stars Toni and Nicole Payne will play for Nigeria in the Paris Olympics as sisters, a culmination of their lifelong shared athletic journey.
Story:
The whole class of 2022 provided a spark for this program, and have set the future to be bright for years to come. There is nothing to hang heads about, because this is only the beginning.
Ronilo has been a great asset for the Eagles at long snapper. A great choice for colleges in need of a position that is so thin. Very reliable on special teams for sure.
@FootballOmhs
@TCrane4Au
Another stadium checked off the list✅
Had the absolute best time getting to experience what Texas A&M is all about, along with receiving a nice sunburn
Until next time, College Station🤝
ANNOUNCEMENT:
This Wednesday at 7 PM, myself along with some of the other
#SEC
student journalists will be hosting a Twitter Space taking a look at our predictions for the 2023 season. Some great discussions are in store and we want you to be a part of it. We hope you tune in!
First ever football game coverage in the books.
I can’t say enough about how much I love my job.
@JrainFromAl
captured it perfectly on Friday night.
As the great Eugene Asante would say: “LET’S WORK!”
Getting ready for first pitch of game two between Auburn and Indiana and I’m shooting video for my advanced sports video production class today at Plainsman Park!
Me and
@danieljlocke
are capping off our journey to Huntsville with a stop at Buc-Ee’s in Athens. What a time.
A nice brisket sandwich and some banana pudding. Next stop: Birmingham
Congratulations to
@CoachFrankPerez
from
@Thompsonbaseba1
on being named this year’s Shelby County Coach of the Year after another great season where his team fought off many battles.
Read all about his team and his season here⬇️
After winning at least a share of the award in his first two seasons with the Warriors, Thompson’s Frankie Perez is once again the Shelby County Coach of the Year for how he helped his team battle through adversity and reach the quarterfinals.
Story:
You have provided great energy for this program, and you fire the kids up like no one else. The future is bright.
@evansmityy
: What a career. Thank you for never ceasing to drop my jaw with your runs and heroic plays every game. You will do great things at NU and on the hardwood.
What a game by
@OMHSWBB
tonight. They made such a statement and that was a true representation of perseverance. Props to Thompson and Coach Smith for what was an amazing hard fought game. Can’t wait to call the game tomorrow night for
@omhsbasketball
against Thompson!
@Chris1Love1
was one of the best to ever coach in this state, and that’s an understatement. So thankful to be able to watch him coach for 4 years in high school, and to cover his team last year. Will miss seeing him on the sidelines. A historic end to a historic career. Thank you
Oak Mountain head coach Chris Love announced today that he is resigning as head coach of the Eagles' basketball program following a historic stretch and special career.
Story:
If I had the time I would’ve gotten a picture on the field, but Mother Nature said no
Round one of the playoffs is in the books tonight! What a huge blessing it was to be able to go out and cover
@BriarwoodFTBLL
in Montgomery for the
@shelbycreporter
. These moments won’t get old
Huge win for Vestavia Hills on the road tonight to start the season. Putting up 87 against any team in this state is what one would call a fantastic night from the field. Congratulations to
@patrickdavis316
and his squad on a great night!
*My journalist will be leaving for a moment*
Being an Auburn fan growing up, the 2013 season made some of my fondest memories that I still can see to this day. From being at both miracles, the SEC Title, to even the Tennessee “homecoming” game, that year was special.
As we near the last week of the regular season of high school football this year, I want to give a huge shoutout and thanks to
@AlecEtheredgeSC
,
@KyleParmley
, and
@GaryALloyd
for all the work they’ve done on updating the social media world on scores from around the state.
@GurnerReese
and
@winmiller04
… TAKE A BOW. Big road win for Vestavia Hills tonight against Hartselle. Planning to be in the house for some of the Sneaky Pete’s Classic, so stay tuned folks!
Tough road W at Hartselle to move to 3-0 on the year!
Leaders for VH
Reese Gurner 33 pts, 5 rebs
Win Miller 18 pts, 5 rebs, 5 assists
Rebels are back in action Monday-Wednesday at home in the 43rd Annual Sneaky Pete’s Rebel Classic.
FINAL |
@MBHSSoccerGirls
2,
@BCS_Lions
0
The spirit is true and the championship is heading back home to Mountain Brook! It is the first title since 2013 for Adam Johnson’s squad.
Cannot go all Final Four without forgetting about my alma mater. Third time is a charm for Coach DiPiazza and
@eaglenationsoc
!
The Eagles go undefeated and win Class 7A in 2024 at John Hunt Park!
It was a great 3 days being the PA for the 2021 Lady Eagle Christmas Invitational hosted by
@OMHSWBB
. Thank you to Coach Parmer for allowing me this opportunity while I’m in town. Congratulations to
@1rebelgirlhoops
and Coach Smelser on being crowned champions of this event!
High school basketball season starting is always going to be a special time for me. It’s where I got my true start doing commentary on camera for an audience. It’s a season I will never forget because I got to help tell the great stories of so many great kids.
RECAP:
@HelenaHuskiesBB
had a fantastic start to its area schedule, picking up two run-rule victories and not giving up a single run in either game against Calera.
Read up on the Huskies’ two wins in the
@shelbycreporter
here⬇️
Helena was in full control to start area play as it earned a pair of run-rule victories over Calera to sweep the series against its county foe.
Story by
@traley34
:
You can’t tell me that the way
@bennett_m3
played last night wasn’t stellar. This kid stood in and played with a true gutsy effort to beat a top 5 nationally-ranked Thompson team. I expect big offers going to this kid today from colleges.
Good evening from Huntsville!
#Auburn
basketball tips off in 90 minutes from the Von Braun Center, taking on UNC Asheville in the 2023 Rocket City Classic.
I’ll have your coverage for
@PlainsmanSports
. Follow along for updates tonight!
The young Eagles of the Oak Mountain community got the chance to have fun and learn many skills at the GOOM Basketball Camp at OMHS from July 10-13. Here is an overview of its impact on the community⬇️⬇️⬇️
Thanks to
@AlecEtheredgeSC
for the opportunity!
Great game shown by both
@omhsbasketball
and
@OMHSWBB
tonight against Thompson. These games were true definitions of team basketball. They battled and took care of business. A couple more games left before we head to a little postseason action!
@AlecEtheredgeSC
and
@KyleParmley
both had busy days… both showed out with the updates. What a day of work for these two fantastic journalists.
(Still no off days though, sorry😬)
Montevallo High School began its newest tradition of expanding the sport of soccer in the community with its first-ever Montevallo Soccer Camp to teach the future of Montevallo soccer.
Story:
Here is the full schedule of games tomorrow for the SEC Baseball Tournament at the Hoover Met. We’ll kick it off with Alabama and Georgia 9:30 a.m. CT, and end with an essential series game four between Auburn and Kentucky at (doubtfully) 8 p.m. CT.
Let the action commence!
Oak Mountain had one heck of a season, and nobody can deny that. You hate to see the year come to an end the way it did for the Eagles. This group of seniors that they had should be commended. They made two Final Fours and won a blue map last year.
Final score: James Clemens 59, Oak Mountain 55
That was a great basketball game. Another incredibly remarkable run for the Eagles, they just couldn't find an offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter. Their bid at three straight Final Fours comes up one game short.
Following a very treacherous battle I’m proud to say I survived the battle with Tiger Scheduler. I got myself waitlisted for the course mentioned earlier, and found an alternative in case things don’t work out.
They can’t, and will never, stop me
UPDATE: I am TWO (2) hours away from my registration time ticket... and the one class I needed to have this semester just filled up.
This is a very sad day.
I’ve seen both of these men coach live and they put on a clinic every week. Seeing Freeman for four years in high school and Forester just a short month ago in the playoffs was an absolute joy to watch. We should continue to see success from their teams down the road.
Thompson’s Mark Freeman and Briarwood’s Matthew Forester were both named the Shelby County Coach of the Year for how they drew the most out of their players and reloaded for success in 2023.
Football Coaches of the Year:
Former
@omhsbasketball
phenom and North Carolina transfer Will Shaver has committed to Belmont University. He will join
@1rebelboyshoops
Win Miller on the Bruins to make an outstanding duo. Danger is brewing in Nashville👀
Enjoyed my time doing my first real Public Address Announcing gig this weekend with the
@ColumbusRapids
! Thankful for all the people who have been supporting me in this journey. Here’s to more gigs in the future of my sports announcing career!
#AGTG
Welcome to Jordan-Hare Stadium where I’m helping out in the press box for the 2022 AHSAA class 7A state championship between
@WARRIORNATION20
and
@AuburnHighFB
TONIGHT!!!
At 8:00 PM CT myself along with some of the student journalists of the SEC will be sharing our reactions amongst other topics regarding the 2024 SEC football schedules.
I’ll be joined by
@JacobWaters_
@realwbmiller
and hopefully many more!
Following an outstanding coaching and playing career at Birmingham-Southern College, Greg Vinson is joining Thompson High School as an associate head coach and college liaison for the soccer program.
Story:
Last interview for the week, but still many more to go. It was great to head out to see
@YeagerSpartanFB
and talk to him about his
@MtnBrookFTBL
squad for this upcoming season!
Should be a fun one for the Spartans has they begin their new journey in Class 6A, Region 6.
I may be an Oak Mountain Alum, but sending my prayers to
@SpainParkATH
quarterback Evan Smallwood, as he was carted off the field in tonight’s game. Always a terrifying scene to see this happen. I hope nothing serious has happened and that he can get back on the field soon.
Sports fanatics really get heart attacks from their teams on a day to day basis and then go on with their daily lives like it’s not going to happen again…
*The next game it happens again
Got to be back in the gym last night alongside
@AlecEtheredgeSC
watching Oak Mountain take on Chelsea. Another impressive win for
@omhsbasketball
, finding success in their aggressive defense and driving inside. Chelsea has a lot of upside though, and sophomore Avery Futch is real
Back in April, we challenged marching bands across the country to create performances incorporating our music into their shows. The response blew us away and made for a heated competition, and the results are in!
And the winners are…
College (Division 1): Auburn University