The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA Sports Columns

Loran Smith: College football coaches, spare time rarely seen together

2012-05-31T00:28:38-04:00

University of Georgia coaches have just concluded three weeks of prospect evaluation, which will be followed by football camps in June.

What's Going On?: 'Big Harry' race set for another run

2012-05-28T07:35:01-04:00

Doug Renz was lucky enough to find a hero in his father, Harry Renz. But he’s done much more than simply remember his dad — he’s made sure that others remember him, too.

Devin Golden: How I survived the Tasty Donut Dash

2012-05-27T07:45:44-04:00

There’s a cliché that emerges from most coaches’ mouths at some point: Play to win; don’t play not to lose. In other words, don’t get overly defensive or cautious in fear of being beaten. Take chances, and remember that just surviving only delays the inevitable.

Marty Kirkland: Smart decisions are part of Sams’ path to success

2012-05-26T08:00:00-04:00

Levi Sams enjoyed a record-setting career in two years as Southeast Whitfield’s starting quarterback not because he was the biggest, fastest or strongest guy on the field, but because he listened to his coaches, learned the system and made good decisions on Friday nights.
Turns out Sams — who will graduate with honors today as Southeast says its farewells to the Class of 2012 — is pretty smart off the field as well.
Like a lot of high school football players, Sams had hopes of playing in college. But he never made that goal such a priority that he was willing to put his athletic concerns in front of his academic ones. Sams sees himself as a student-athlete, not an athlete-student, and so the school had to fit his needs before the football program could.

Jamie Jones: Big news at TWA?

2012-05-25T08:01:13-04:00

Here are the notes and news items from the week in pro wrestling: Ric Flair has left TNA, according to various online reports. Brooke Hogan has joined TNA as the overseer of the Knockouts division.
Not a fair trade.

What's Going On: Combo puts a sweet spin on running

2012-05-21T07:00:00-04:00

Quick question: If I say Carpet Capital Running Club, what are some words that immediately come to mind?
Drive. Stamina. Endurance. Donuts. Determination.
Wait a minute. Donuts?

Jamie Jones: New angle coming

2012-05-18T08:05:46-04:00

Here are the notes and news items from the week in pro wrestling: As part of a storyline, WWE is speculating Chris Jericho may be away from the organization for several months.
“Jericho may be facing his final days in a WWE ring if he fails to capitalize on his fourth title opportunity in as many pay-per-view events at WWE Over the Limit this Sunday,” according to WWE.

What's Going On: End of prep year brings summer fun

2012-05-14T07:00:00-04:00

Unless a team wins a state title, the end of the high school sports calendar comes with a crash. As much build up and anticipation that accompanies the return of prep athletic competitions in the August when football, volleyball, softball and cross country return, the total opposite is true when it all comes to an end in May.
That abrupt conclusion was punctuated this past week. The state golf tournaments were played a week ago today, the boys state track meet concluded on Saturday, the soccer playoffs ended with a four-team collision as North Murray, Dalton, Southeast Whitfield and Northwest Whitfield all lost on Friday in the state quarterfinals, and Christian Heritage saw one bad inning on Saturday ring the bell on the final acts of interscholastic competition.

Devin Golden: Soccer successes are something to build on

2012-05-13T07:00:00-04:00

Taking much of the attention during the recent boys soccer playoffs have been milestones. Whether it be area firsts or school-specific firsts, the notable achievements within the Whitfield-Murray County region have garnered much of the spotlight in recent weeks.
For two area schools, the next goal should be developing a history of consistent postseason appearances and runs. For two others, that stage is in the rearview window.

Jamie Jones: Punk cover

2012-05-11T08:01:06-04:00

Here are the notes and news items from the week in pro wrestling: Look for Paul Heyman to represent Brock Lesnar through the summer.