CSBL more about the future than the now

NEW ALBANY — With back-to-back strikeouts looking delivered by starter Jordan Moore, the Tallahatchie Rascals held on to claim the Cotton States Baseball League championship with a 2-0 win over the North Delta Dealers Saturday.

Players from the Rascals dugout didn’t pour onto the field, dogpile or pop a celebratory champagne bottle (in part because alcoholic beverages are prohibited from the New Albany Sportsplex’s grounds).

Likewise, Dealers players didn’t pout, smash bats or fall to the diamond in anguish. Both teams simply shook hands and then immediately set their sights on what’s next — their respective fall and spring seasons.

Nobody likes to lose, but the CSBL isn’t just about immediate success.

While all the players in the wooden bat summer league would have loved to hoist the CSBL’s trophy on Saturday, what they’re really hoping for is that the hard work they put in over the hot summer months will pay off in the future. (August 2, 2010, Page 6)

Hill happy with Oxford’s first week

Bolstered by a strong summer in the weight room, the Oxford Chargers were able to give head football coach Johnny Hill a memorable first week of practice.

Outside of the weather not cooperating late in the week, there wasn’t a lot Hill could find wrong with the team’s first week of work getting prepared for the 2010 season. (August 2, 2010, Page 7)

Townsend promoted to head coach

Oxford has turned to one of its own to continue leading the Lady Charger soccer program in the right direction. Former OHS standout Josh Townsend was officially hired by the school district earlier this week when the school board approved the recommendation made by athletics director Johnny Hill.

Townsend, 24, grew up in Oxford, and then after playing for the Chargers, continued to master the sport at Delta State under the guidance of Jim Allen. Townsned started coaching in the youth ranks with the Oxford Park Commission and last season he was former coach Christopher Hedglin’s assistant. (July 30, 2010, Page 7A)

Oxford seniors aren’t green anymore

Two seasons ago, Oxford head coach Johnny Hill jokingly suggested his team should change its name from the Chargers to the Martians because they were green with inexperience.

It is days like Tuesday, the first two-a-day practice of the summer, where the senior class needs to lead during the grueling summer heat. (July 28, 2010, Page 8)

Oxford’s Jenkins leaving his mark on the community

A desire to be the best at everything he attempts is what drives Oxford High’s Kendall Jenkins. Whether Jenkins is running for the best time on the Chargers’ cross country team, studying for a test or participating in various activities that include Junior ROTC and working with the two local law enforcement agencies, Jenkins’ approach to his duties has garnered extensive praise from his elders.

Most in the community may not realize who Jenkins is because he is only 14 years old, but his overall attitude has allowed him to accomplish things peers much older only dream of. Instead of taking it easy during the summer break, Jenkins has been busy preparing for a future career in law enforcement. He recently participated in the Tupelo Youth Police Academy, a program geared for minors ages 14-17. (July 28, 2010, Page 9)

Chargers hungry to improve in ’10

Oxford’s first opportunity to improve on last year’s third-place finish in Region 1-5A and move past the first round of the 5A playoffs came Monday with the first official practice of the preseason.

OHS coach Johnny Hill said the team was fired up to be back on the practice fields after a strong summer of workouts. (July 27, 2010, Page 6A)

Chargers answer questions in 7-on-7

Some of the questions Oxford coach Johnny Hill had about certain positions on his team were answered over the summer with extensive work in 7-on-7 drills.

The culmination of a long, hard summer of work was on display Friday and Saturday in the inaugural O-Zone Classic held at FNC Park. While the Chargers were unable to capture the title, Hill saw a group of players show better effort and improvement under less than ideal conditions and demonstrate that his receivers and defensive backs, two areas that lost a number of starters from 2009, have the potential to be good this year. (July 12, 2010, Page 6)

Oxford to host 7-on-7 tournament

The start of the 2010 high school football season may still be a little more than a month away, but fans that have been in need of some passing, catching and running from players can get their fix this weekend at FNC Park.

Oxford will serve as the host school for a 12-team 7-on-7 tournament held Friday and Saturday at FNC. Members of the Chargers’ offense and defense have been working on their skills in preparation for the season as well as the tournament. (July 8, 2010, Page 1B)

Searcy rehabbing, excited for sophomore season at ASU

Life in college took Keith Searcy some getting used to.

This past season, the former Oxford EAGLE Player of the Year learned what it was like to not be on a contender for the first time since he began playing organized basketball.

During his first season in Lorman, the Alcorn State Braves were just 2-29 (although, on a bright note, they were the only SWAC team to end their season with a win). (July 1, 2010, Page 6A)

Searcy answers rumors, excited for sophomore season at Alcorn State

Just got off the phone with former Oxford EAGLE Player of the Year and current Alcorn State Brave Keith Searcy.

The 6-foot-4 guard is currently in Oxford taking summer classes and rehabbing from bone spur surgery. (more…) (June 30, 2010)