2nd Annual Savannah Area FCA All-Star Baseball Classic

It’s time for the second annual Savannah Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-Star Baseball Classic.

Savannah, GA - The Savannah Area F.C.A. has invited forty-six of the top high school players from Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties to come together for one night and showcase their talents at historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah. It’s a chance for them to fellowship with their extended baseball family and play with and against some of the best local high school talent around. The players were nominated by their head coaches as an FCA All-Star.

Several of the players were selected as All-Area players by the Savannah Morning News and a couple can say they are Georgia's state champions.Past collegiate baseball Coach Joe “Spanky” McFarland returns to managing for the All-Star game. McFarland, a former assistant coach at Georgia Tech, won 700 games as a head coach during his career.

The game is set for 6:50pm on Monday, June 12^th at Historic ^th).
Grayson Stadium. The game is presented by Keller’s Auto Sales in Savannah.   (Rain date is June 15

Media contact: Jason Rockwell

Jrockwell@fca.org

Cell: (912) 631-0351

GHSA Game On at Historic Grayson Stadium

Rain washed out the beginning of the Georgia High School State Association State Baseball Championships in Savannah Georgia at Historic Grayson Stadium yesterday. Wednesday slate of games is now scheduled for Friday May 26, 2017 and will start at 10 am. Today's schedule remains the same. Come on out and support your team and see who brings home the "SHIP." 


Schedule
GHSA Championship Baseball State Playoffs at Historic 
Grayson Stadium

GHSA All-Region 3-A Baseball Coaches Teams Released

Savannah Christian senior Zach Brockman has been named this year’s Region 3-A Baseball Player of the Year. The Pitcher of the Year went to senior  Rhett Gay of ECI. Calvary, Savannah Christian, and Savannah Country Day were well represented.

	PLAYER OF THE YEAR:	ZACK BROCKMAN		SR SCPS
	PITCHER OF THE YEAR:	RHETT GAY		SR ECI
	1ST TEAM ALL-REGION
	DALTON CAMERON	SR	CLAXTON
	TYLER SUMMERALL	SR	TREUTLEN CO.
	TYER BENJAMIN	SR	TREUTLEN CO.
	TYLER HESS	JR	MONTGOMERY CO.
	DEMONI BRANTLEY	SR	JOHNSON CO.
	BROOKS NORTON	JR	JOHNSON CO.
	WILKES BLACK	SR	JENKINS CO.
	BOWDEN JAMES	JR	JENKINS CO.
	WIN JOHNS	SOPH	SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
	CJ NUGARA	SOPH	SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
	CHRISTOPHER PENDLETON	SOPH	SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
	JAKE BROWN	SR	PORTAL
	DAVID DURDEN	SR	ECI
	JONATHAN BROWN	JR	WHEELER CO.
	CONNOR HERITAGE	JR	CALVARY
	KADEN BLANKENSHIP	SOPH	CALVARY
	KYLE HILTON	FR	SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
	BEN JACKSON	SR	SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
	JARRETT BROWN	SOPH	SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
	DREW MALPHRUS	JR	SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
	2ND TEAM ALL-REGION
	PEYTON MERCER	JR	ECI
	TRENT MORRIS	JR	TREUTLEN CO.
	TRISTAN DENMARK	SOPH	MONTGOMERY CO.
	ADAM HOOKS	FR	JOHNSON CO.
	DUREN WOOD	JR	JOHNSON CO.
	MATT DEAS	SR	JENKINS CO.
	CHANEY KNIGHT	JR	JENKINS CO.
	ZACH HODGES	JR	CLAXTON
	COLE GAMBINO	SOPH	SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
	JARRETT KARNIBAD	SOPH	SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
	BRADEN SORGE	FR	SAVANNAH COUNTRY DAY
	JAMAL SIMPKINS	SR	PORTAL
	THOMAS WELLS	SR	CALVARY
	JAY WETHERINGTON	FR	CALVARY
	RUDY AMAYA	SR	CALVARY
	CAMERON CROSBY	SOPH	SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
	CHRIS DETTLING	SR	SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
	JUSTIN ANDERSON	JR	SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
	BRYCE O’BREIN	SR	SAVANNAH CHRISTIAN
	TY BUTLER	SOPH	WHEELER CO
	TY VANN	SOPH	WHEELER CO

The Wetherington Chiropractic Clinic Athlete of the Week - St. Andrew’s School senior Ryne Wollenburg 5.20.17

RYNE WOLLENBURG – senior - St. Andrew’s Baseball

Wollenburg has been a four year starter on the St. Andrew’s School baseball team.  Ryan plays shortstop and was the lead-off hitter in the Lion’s lineup for Coach Scott Abernathy. In the four years that Ryne has been part of the St. Andrew’s baseball program, the Lions won 55 games and did not miss the SCISA state playoffs. Personal stats for Wollenburg are impressive. 

At the plate, Ryne this season batted .516 with a .576 OBP, with 11 doubles, 20 RBI and 38 runs scored, 32 stolen bases in 34 attempts and struck out just four times all year. Wollenburg was a Savannah Morning News Best of Preps 2017 All-Greater Savannah 1st team choice. Furthermore, Wollenburg just signed to play baseball at Flagler College in Florida. You can listen to Ryne's interview from The Karl DeMasi Sports Report Show on ESPN Radio Savannah 104.3 FM at https://kdemasi.podbean.com/ .

The Wetherington Chiropractic Clinic Athlete of the Week - Savannah Arts Academy Golfer junior Rachel Wohn 5.06.17

RACHEL WOHN - junior Savannah Arts Academy Golf

Rachel, a junior at the Savannah Arts Academy, won the Savannah City High School Championships at Bacon Park Golf Course on April 3, 2017. Rachel shot a 35 to capture the nine-hole competition by five strokes. Furthermore, this is Wohn's third straight girl's title as she won as a freshman and sophomore. Listen to Rachel's interview at https://kdemasi.podbean.com/  

A Bunch of Savannah Bananas are Back for 2017

SAVANNAH BANANAS ANNOUNCE 2017 ROSTER 

SAVANNAH, GA. May 11, 2017 – The Savannah Bananas are excited to announce their complete roster for the 2017 season. The roster includes players from schools across the country, as well as several local athletes.

Returning player Christian Hollie (UTA) will be in the outfield, along with Bryce Fischer (Oklahoma State), Jordan Rathbone (South Mtn. JC), Logan Mattix (GA College), and John Cassala (Jacksonville U). Utility players include two more from the 2016 roster, Garett Nelson (Long Beach State) and Logan Moody (UGA), as well as Max MacDougald (Wofford) and LJ Talley (UGA). Tommy Gillman (Texas A&M) will be playing middle infield. Catchers include Calvary Baptist alumnus Chris Bashlor (Lipscomb), Jacob Southern (Jacksonville U), and Jacob Nunez (UTA). Kyrell Miller (RHP McLennan/UTSA), Kyle Richardson (LHP Texas A&M), Kenny LaPierre (RHP SD State), Spencer Haynes (LHP Grayson JC), Bryan Cruse (RHP Memphis), Braxton Webb (LHP Grayson JC), Cole Hearrean (LHP Oklahoma State), Taylor Cox (RHP Charleston Southern), Drew Reeves (RHP Kennesaw State), Logan Hutchinson (RHP Kennesaw State), and Evan Lovick (LHP Baldwin Wallace) will be joining returning player Drew Moody on the pitching staff.

Local Players from Savannah

Temporary players include 2016 Bananas Christian Vann (LHP Mercer) and Elliot Forde (RHP Misericordia), as well as Andrew Dill (RHP Anderson U), Joe Lewis (RHP Central Methodist), Austin Covers (LHP Heartland CC), Sam Linn (RHP Lander), Austin Sojka (MI/3B Cumberland), Steven Tomlinson (OF UNG), Colin Taylor (Walter State CC), Kyle Luigs (RHP UNG), James Ethredge (RHP Valdosta State), Jacob Howard (3B/UTL UNG), and Austin Krzeminski (RHP Gulf Coast State JC). There are also several local athletes- Mike Huggins (MI GA State), Matt Clark (LHP Clemson), Brandon Purcell (C GA College), and Zach Brockman (RHP Liberty) signing on as temporary players.

The 2017 season starts June 1st, but fans can come out to Grayson Stadium to meet the team and coaches at Fan Fest on May 29th. This event will run from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM is free and open to the public. Available single game tickets for the 2017 season are on sale now. There is currently a waiting list for both reserved seating and general admission tickets. More information and a list of games with tickets available can be found at www.TheSavannahBananas.com or by calling (912)712-2482.

The Savannah Bananas are part of the Coastal Plain League. The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 20th season in 2016, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had nearly 1,300 alumni drafted and 81 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball.

PRESS RELEASE
Marie Gentry (912) 712-2482
Director of Partner Services

Savannah Bananas 2017 Promotional Schedule is A "Peeling"

RING CEREMONY AND ST. PATRICK’S CELEBRATION HIGHLIGHT
2017 PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE

SAVANNAH, GA. May 3, 2017 – The Savannah Bananas are excited to announce the full promotional schedule for the 2017 season.

One of the highlights of the team’s sophomore season promotions is a championship ring ceremony, to be held on Monday, June 5^th. Fans can celebrate the 2016 Coastal Plain League championship as head coach Sean West and returning Bananas players receive their championship rings.

“We are really excited to be able to celebrate the championship one more time at Grayson Stadium. The rings are amazing and we know the team and the fans will love them,” said team president, Jared Orton.

Another highlight is the team’s first “St. Patrick’s Day in July” celebration on Monday, July 17th. The Bananas will be embracing Savannah’s favorite holiday by getting decked out in green commemorative jerseys.

Another new promotion is Super Splash Day on June 28th. This all-day event will feature water games, water slides and numerous activities, with over 30 local summer camps attending. The Bananas will play at noon and 6:00 PM.  

The team will also be bringing back some fan favorites, all of which sold out in 2016. Faith and Family night will be back on June 16th. Over 40 churches will be coming out to Grayson Stadium to participate.

Salute the Troops will be held the Saturday, July 8^th. This popular night honors active military and veterans.

The following weekend, July 14^th is Strike Out Cancer night, honoring area cancer survivors and caretakers. The team will be wearing personalized jerseys, which will be auctioned off to raise money for cancer research.

Fans will get two chances to bring their four-legged friends to Grayson Stadium this summer. Bark in the Park nights will be held on June 19^th and July 24^th. Last year over 500 dogs attended each Bark in the Park game.

There will also be five fireworks nights this year, starting with Friday, June 2^nd. Other fireworks shows include June 30^th, July 3^rd, July 22^nd, and August 5^th.

Thirsty Thursdays will also be back, beginning with Opening Night, June 1^st.

In addition to these promotions, fans can expect to enjoy bigger and better pregame and between-innings entertainment.

“As fans saw last year, every game is a show with non-stop entertainment,” said Orton. “We are excited about our different promotional nights, but we’re going to make sure each game is a memorable experience.”

All Bananas 2017 memberships are now sold out. Available single game tickets go on sale this Friday, May 5^th at 9:00 AM. Fans can buy tickets and find more information by visiting thesavannahbananas.com or calling (912)712-2482.

PRESS RELEASE by          

Liz Bushaw Marketing Coordinator

Savannah Bananas

(912) 712-2482

St. Vincent's Academy Sarah Stewart Makes History with Back to Back Hollis Stacey Awards

That's right Sarah Stewart made history as she captured the 25th Hollis Stacy Award. The Hollis Stacey is given to the most versatile high school female athlete in Savannah. Which is the counterpart to the Ashley Dearing award given to the utmost all-around male athlete.

Therefore, Stewart and her brother, Brad, who won the Ashley Dearing Award twice in a row, become the first brother and sister to accomplish winning these two most prestigious prep athletic awards in Savannah Georgia back to back. Sarah won the 2016 and 2017 Hollis Stacey Award and Brad won his Ashley Dearing Awards in 2014 and 2015.

Coastal Hurricanes Baseball Blowing into the Playoffs for the 1st Time

Coastal Hurricanes Baseball Blowing into the Playoffs for the 1st Time

This year will be a first for the Coastal Home School Hurricanes baseball program, according to head coach Jason Rockwell. “We have never played in a postseason game before,” said Rockwell. This year it becomes a reality as the Hurricanes will travel to Charleston, South Carolina to play in the 2017 South Carolina Home School Tournament.

2017 Coastal Home School Hurricanes Baseball Team

Front Row (left to right)  Jacob Gates, Caleb Feider, Dalton Wise, Garrett Ellison, Caleb Locklear, Kyle Patterson, Keaton Patterson, Jose Mendez, Ryan Rockwell

Back Row (left to right) Coach Jason Rockwell, Hamilton Baker, Drew Ebberwein, Zack Fussell, Shawn Paulk, Wesley Richey, Austin Cobb, Brett Collins, Ryan Osako, Spenser Stewart, Coach Ryan Guthrie

Photo: Lexi Rockwell

Four teams are in the tournament, Charleston, Columbia, Coastal and the Upstate Eagles from Spartanburg. Next year, Augusta should join this event as well. Rockwell said, “This should be a good time for the guys with something to play for at the end of the season for the first time in the programs history.” The Coastal Hurricanes baseball program has been running the bases for 7 years. The program has an 90-54 record which is a .625 winning percentage to date. The Hurricanes are coached by Head Coach Jason Rockwell and Assistant Coaches Richard Collins and Ryan Guthrie.

The South Carolina Home School tournament will be this Saturday, and the Hurricanes take the field to make school history at 1:30 pm. Furthermore, with a victory, the Coastal Hurricanes team will play at 5:30 pm for the championship. “We have a team that can really hit the ball and pitch,” Rockwell stated. The Hurricanes sure can. This is according to the team's hitting and pitching statistics.

Ryan Osako

The top five leading hitters for the Hurricanes are all hitting above .300. The hitting core is led by senior first baseman Ryan Osako. Ryan has a batting average of .583. As of this writing, he has 35 hits in 60 at bats with 5 doubles, 5 triples, 1 home run and 28 RBI. Osako has an on-base percentage of .630 and a .883 slugging percentage. Following the slugger is the catcher, junior Austin Cobb batting .462, utility infielder junior Zack Fussell hitting .442, sophomore shortstop/pitcher Brett Collins with a .442 batting average, and senior third baseman Spenser Stewart, who leads the team in home runs with 3, has 20 RBI and is hitting at a.318 clip. An incredible feat is that of second baseman, junior Ryan Rockwell. He has stolen 53 bases in his career without  being caught. This year the base thief is 23 for 23. At the plate Ryan is batting .300 with 24 runs scored and 14 RBI. As a team, the Hurricanes have a team batting average of .330, a .436 slugging percentage, and have hit five home runs.

Brett Collins

On the mound, the Hurricanes are just as impressive throwing a baseball. Sophomore Brett Collins is 5-0 with a 2.69 ERA. In 26 innings pitches, he has struck out 36 batters. The opposing teams are hitting .176 against Collins. Another hurler for Coastal is, junior Zack Fussell who is 4-0 and has fanned 20 batters in 15 innings. Opponents’ have a batting average of .167 against him. Other key pitchers are senior Spenser Stewart with a 2-1, 1 save a 3.57 E.RA and he has struck out 24 batters in 17 2/3 innings pitched. Juniors Ryan Rockwell and Caleb Locklear have also contributed. Rockwell has 2.05 ERA and has pitched 13 2/3 with 16 strikeouts. Locklear is 2-0 with a 3.20 ERA. When you put these guys’ together as a staff, it is notable. The team's record is 19-4, and has a 3.59 ERA. In 136 1/3 innings pitched, the staff has fanned 187 batters and only walked 95. That is an almost a two one ratio in strikeouts to walks. This next stat to note is that opponents are only batting .212 against the Hurricane pitching staff.

Something else to speak about is the Coastal Home School baseball program has had players advance on to the college level. So far there have been four players who have put a Hurricanes uniform on who are participating at the next level right now. They are, Daniel Collins is a pitcher at Montreat College; Scheldon Paulk is a pitcher at Chattanooga State College; Daniel Mills is a catcher at Univerity of South Carolina at Beaufort, and Caleb Hill pitches at Savannah State. 


The Hurricanes will blow into Charleston, South Carolina this weekend with nothing to lose but to make history. Hopefully the Hurricanes turn back form the Palmetto City and blow the championship trophy back to the Host City of the South, Savannah Georgia.