#1sportfan

I have watched Justin deveop into a powerful and determined wrestler. He has wrestled every match like it is the state final. I know that his family is proud of his determination and hard work. Justin you are a true champion. Know that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Good luck!

I have children who have played basketball, baseball, softball and wrestling. The cost to participate on all of these teams is $150.00 to $200.00 per season. This does not include the additional work put in for fundraising. Which involves working concessions, carwashes, selling program ads and requesting donations. I truly believe if a family cannot afford the cost then the program will help them. My children go to a large school where most of the families are more than capable of paying the fees. When you are a family of 4-5 with 3-4 cars in the driveway then you can pay the fees. Obviously, if you are a single mother with only one income it is difficult. If a parent would speak privately with the coach or booster club president then they could probably get their fee waived. But to just complain about the cost or forget to pay the dues is unfair to the other families who pay for their share. No athlete should be left out. But the parents have to be willing to work hard to help the program as well.

Kyle Waldrop at Farragut High School. Vanderbilt signee and lots of major league scouts looking at him. He could play any sport. A wonderful young man as well.

Where do you go to high school? What district do you compete in?

It is a long drive to Heritage but it was worth it! There were some great games throughout the week. Congratulations to Farragut and Bearden. Good luck in Regions.

How about that freshman from Clinton? Katie Taylor! She has played hard wherever the coach has needed her. And she has done the job at the plate too.

I only saw Lillian Hammond at one tournament. But that was enough to convince me! She is the real deal! Lots of speed and a great bat.

was that in the paper recently? if so I must have missed it. Thank God! He deserves it.

Whoever voted for the all district team must be crazy. Kyle Waldrop didn't make the all district team. He is the best player at Farragut and probably in all of East Tennessee!

I always read complaints that the girls can't hit and the coach should sit them. I believe that more frequently the pitchers are hitting their locations. More credit should be given to the pitchers and defense. Now, if a player is striking out consistently with no contact that is another matter. I am sure that all the coaches want to win and are playing the girls they feel can get the job done.

Congratulations to Halls on a great tournament. The team came together and played great. It was a long day for all the teams, but you managed to keep your competitive fire. Good job and keep up the hard work.

I don't believe all JV baseball teams travel in buses. I know when my son played we had to make arrangements to get there. I believe it is mostly a coaching decision. The booster club often pays for the buses and multiple other items in all of the knox co sports. If the coaches wanted to have JV games they could. Playing games is much better preparation to start as a junior or senior than practicing for 2 years. Also, many atheletes get tired of sitting and go on to sports where they actually get to play. High school sports require an extreme amount of time for all the players. Why not help them get the most out of their time?

I agree. Let them do what they enjoy and what builds self confidence and self esteem. Few athletes go on to make a living competing in their high school sport. When they are ready to devote all their time to one sport...that is when playing one sport is the best thing to do.

I have noticed that the baseball teams in this area have complete JV schedules unrelated to Varsity games. Why can't the softball programs? Would this not allow improved development of younger players? As well as keep them more enthused so they will stick with the program throughout high school? A few innings after the varsity game mostly feels like an after thought. They would not need as many games as the varsity team. What are the reasons for no JV schedule?

I know that the 16U Knoxville Thunder is looking for one more player for the summer. Mainly need a first baseman/utility player. Infield is pretty well set otherwise. Coach is looking for a hard working, competitive player. The girls on the team get along great and have lots of fun. If interested email mountainj@chartertn.net. Good luck to those girls in middle tennessee looking for teams. Also feel free to check out our website @ eteamz.com/knoxvillethunder16u

Hammer, what high school do you play for? I live in the Knoxville area and know of some teams in east tennessee.

How about...Whitney Kee - Halls Aftin Forsythe - Halls Kristin Kirk - Karns Lauren Varselona- Karns Rachel Mountain - Farragut Kristen Delapp - Gibbs Brittany James - South Doyle Katie Taylor - Clinton Lauren Brown - Cumberland Co. These girls are all freshman, if given the opportunity they can make some noise. They work hard and love to compete. Good luck to them!

Turner may not have spent the last year focusing on wrestling...if he had he would have won, no doubt. He is very athletic and a great competitor. Congrats to him for a great senior year. Good luck!

Congratulations Farragut! You have had new coaches for the last 2 years and you get little or no support from your school. Yet you still stand out in region 2. I am very proud of all the wrestlers as well as Coaches Joe Knox and Kerry Ferguson. They have done a great job. I know next year will be even better. Keep up the great work.

I would like to know what can be done? One of the refs from the 171 match frequently refs in region 2. He is too old and too slow to ref for high school. He should go work the younger ages...although I am not sure he could keep up there either. And he wasn't a "bradley" ref either. Can TSSAA do anything about the poor referees? All these young men work hard. It is much tolerable to lose when the match is actually decided by the wrestlers. I did not hear any booing during the 152 match. Farragut lost that one...but it was a good match and was decided by the young men competing. Not the 2 adults standing on the mat.

Congratulations to all Region 2 state placers. Well done. Keep up the hard work and dedication.

I saw the young man on crutches during the parade of champions. Best of luck to Chris. Take this determination with you and sucess in life will follow.

Congrats to James and Gibson. Awesome matches. They were well earned titles.

Gibson definitely deserved OW. He is the real deal!

I agree that the 171 from BC should have been called for stalling. Definitely the other wrestler attempted more shots/offensive moves. Why have a rule if you don't follow it?