"Fayette Pep Rally" Coming to Comcast Soon

Comcast customers in Fayette will now receive a weekly high school sportscast focusing on the five Fayette athletic programs, the show's producer announced today.

"Fayette Prep Rally", a highlights and features program, will debut Tuesday November 4 on Comcast Channel 25. The weekly program will premiere each Tuesday at 6pm and then repeat at 8pm and 10pm each weeknight followed by re-airs at 6am, 8am and 10am the following morning.

The 12-minute sportscast is produced by Batten Communications, Inc., which has produced the sister program, "Gwinnett Prep Rally" since 1993. "Fayette Prep Rally" will air weekly highlights, features, segments and commentary in an ESPN SportsCenter-style, said Jeff Batten, executive producer of the program.

"'Fayette Prep Rally' will be the 'broadcast sports page' for Fayette sports fans following their teams," Batten said. "The highlights and features will be crisp and professional and the show will entertain from beginning to end. I'm certain the demand for concise, well-presented sports information in Fayette will make this a weekly staple for high school fans of the five Fayette schools," Batten said.

Michael Jankolovits and Ken Coleman will host the program, which will air highlights of this Friday's Fayette County-Starrs Mill, Northgate-Sandy Creek and McIntosh-Whitewater games and will feature Sandy Creek quarterback Rio Johnson.

"Fayette Prep Rally" will air throughout the school season.

Batten Communications, Inc. also produces "BusinessWorks", a program about the Fayette County chamber of commerce, on Comcast channel 25 in Fayette County.
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$ave the Green on the Green at Crystal Lake Country Club with Toys for Tots

The holidays are upon us and it's time to save some green on the greens!

Grab your sticks and your tee partner and drive to Crystal Lake Country Club this November and save $10 off the published rate for each round. It's simple. Just donate a wrapped toy for the "Toys for Tots" Foundation.

Donate two or more toys for Georgia's needy children and save an additional $5 off per round. Mention the Fayette Front Page to redeem this special offer!

Crystal Lake Country Club is conveniently located just off of Exit 221 on I-75 in Hampton. Call 770-471-3233 to reserve your tee time and a smile for a child.



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Georgia State Purchases Land for Football Practice Complex in Atlanta

The Georgia State University Foundation has purchased a 3.8-acre plot of land in downtown Atlanta adjacent to the Georgia State campus for the purpose of constructing a practice and office complex for the Panthers’ new football program.

The plot is at 188 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, walking distance from current athletic facilities in the Georgia State Sports Arena. The land was purchased at a cost of approximately $6.6 million.

Plans for the complex include a 100-yard artificial turf field, a 50-yard natural grass field and a football building that would house coaches’ offices, locker room, weight room, meeting rooms, training room and equipment room. Initial plans call for an existing structure on the site to be incorporated into the facility.

Georgia State football, coached by Bill Curry, will begin play in 2010 at the Georgia Dome. However, the Panthers are recruiting student-athletes who will enroll and begin practice in 2009, and Georgia State hopes to begin construction on the fields as soon as possible so they can be utilized for practice next fall.

“This is another very important step forward for Georgia State football,” said Director of Athletics Mary McElroy. “We’re thrilled that the University was able to secure a piece of land that fits our needs and is located so close to campus. This complex will become a tremendous asset for Georgia State football.

“We are very grateful to the Georgia State University Foundation for assisting us with this project. We also want to thank Dr. Patton and the University administration for all the support as we build our football program and make Georgia State athletics the best that it can be."

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Jekyll Island Ready for Georgia-Florida Fans

PRNewswire/ -- Traditions are held sacred in southeast Georgia, and for the Jekyll Island Authority and the local community that means hosting one of the largest celebrations surrounding the Georgia-Florida college football rivalry in the area. Beginning at 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning, the first of 576 golfers will tee off in the 29th annual Georgia-Florida Golf Classic. Golfers will compete in the two-day event, and between rounds will enjoy celebrating with old friends at the traditional Cocktail Party and Oyster Roast Buffet Dinner.

"The event is now a tradition on Jekyll Island, and we are proud to host our friends each year -- old and new friends alike," stated Johnny Paulk, tournament director. "It is a lot of work, but we have a great team that knows how to pull everything together so everyone will have a good time when they get here.

"It's got to be one of the largest golf tournaments in the country, and maybe one of the longest running," added Paulk.

While the golf tournament is sold out, there are still rooms available on Jekyll Island for fans coming to the game. Some Jekyll Island hotels offer motorcoach transportation packages to and from the game.

"Most of our bus packages are full, but there are always a few rooms left on the island," stated Eric Garvey, Jekyll Island Authority director of marketing. "The golf tournament along with all the parties and other activities creates a fantastic football atmosphere here on Jekyll Island."

Fans looking for hotel rooms or rental cottages in the area should call the Jekyll Island Welcome Center at 877-4JEKYLL or e-mail to cvb@jekyllisland.com. Visitor Information Specialists keep current vacancy information and can quickly direct guests to a hotel with available rooms.

While the Georgia-Florida football game is played in Jacksonville, Florida at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jekyll Island is only a 90-minute drive. Many University of Georgia fans enjoy the tradition of staying in the Jekyll Island-St. Simons Island area and take advantage of the easy drive to the stadium.

Fans without tickets will enjoy the nationally televised game at one of the several sports bars and restaurant on Jekyll Island. Blackbeard's Seafood Restaurant along with the new Time Out Sports Grill and the new Sand Bar & Grill all will be creating a game-like atmosphere with food and drink specials.

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Thrasher Forward Mike Hoffman Activated from Injured Reserve and Assigned to Chicago

The Atlanta Thrashers have activated forward Mike Hoffman from Injured Reserve and assigned him to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Hoffman, 28, was placed on IR on Oct. 9 and missed the Thrashers first eight games of the season. He appeared in four pre-season games with Atlanta, after signing as a free agent on July 9, 2008.

The 6-5, 250-pound right wing appeared in 38 games with the Portland Pirates (AHL) in 2007-08, recording eight points (five goals, three assists) and 81 penalty minutes.
The native of Scituate, Mass. has recorded 45 points (18 goals, 27 assists) and 513 penalty minutes in 221 career AHL games with Worcester, Cleveland, Toronto, Manchester and Portland.

Prior to his professional career, Hoffman played two years at the University of Connecticut (MAAC), earning 10 points (two goals, eight assists) and 26 penalty minutes in 31 games.
Season Tickets for the Atlanta Thrashers start at $10 per game and are available for the 2008-09 season by calling (866) 715-1500 or visiting atlantathrashers.com. Individual tickets for all regular-season Thrashers games at Philips Arena can be purchased by visiting atlantathrashers.com, calling (800) 326-4000, or by visiting the Philips Arena Box Office or any Ticketmaster Ticket Outlet.
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Women's Soccer and Serafy Etch Names in Athletic History With Win Over Campbell

A second-half, two-goal salvo earned the Bears a piece of Mercer women’s soccer history, as their 2-0 win over Campbell gives the team its first-ever Atlantic Sun regular season championship. Olivia Tucker once again proved the hero for the Bears, heading in the decisive goal from a Meghan Castlado corner in the 56th minute: her second straight game-winner and third goal in as many matches.

Castaldo would then seal the points with an unstoppable blast in the 66th minute as Mercer stretched its lead in the A-Sun standings to an insurmountable five-point advantage over second-placed Kennesaw State.

“This is really the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication by our players,” Mercer head coach Grant Serafy said. “It really means a lot to this team, not only to this current group of players, but also all our former players, parents, and everyone associated with the program. I couldn’t be prouder.”

The victory was also highly significant for Serafy himself, who becomes the all-time winningest coach in program history with his 39th career win, springing him past Ian Hayley in the school’s record books.

Despite his achievement, Serafy was quick to put the focus back on his team. “It’s nice to accomplish this, but for me, it’s about winning a championship,” he said.

Knowing what was on the line, Mercer announced their attacking intentions early, as senior Erin Theobald found space for herself on the left side of the box, though her cracking shot found the netting on the wrong side of the post.

Tucker would then call Campbell keeper Jamie Panfil into action; the holding midfielder eventually getting on the end of a Heather Manting free kick bouncing around in the box. Her sliding shot, however, was straight at Panfil from a tough angle on the left.

A clever flicked header from Meek then put Johnson clean through on goal, only for the Saint Peters, Mo. native to be thwarted by a late offsides flag.

Soon after, the flag stayed down on Johnson, who got in behind the Camels defense again. Running down the left, the sophomore forward attempted to pick out the far post with an outside-of-the-foot flick, but was denied by the fingertips of an advancing Panfil, who did well to collect the rebound as well.

It was backs to the wall stuff for the Camels, as Mercer sent in wave after wave of attack, and the Bears nearly broke through as Raschelle Riley went on a trademark rampaging run up of the left wing. The fullback’s cross found Tucker in the box, who spun past her marker with a deft first touch, only to be closed down by a vital last second tackle.

Mercer’s defense would need to be sharp soon after, however, as the Camels finally got their first shot on target midway through the first half. After some good work at the endline down the right, Olga Ekblom teed the ball up for Jenna Sullivan. Reigning A-Sun Defender of the Week Lizzy Shaughnessy, however, did well to block the shot down without testing Jean Worts.

The half finished with both teams even in possession. Vanessa Breslin and Katheryn Hurst linked up well in the Camels’ box to set up a scoring chance for Sara Elliot, whose left-footed shot was claimed by Panfil at her left-hand post. Worts then had to be alert to tip over a Hanna Salmen corner kick drifting back toward the net, as the first half ended scoreless.

Just after the restart, Castaldo came within inches of duplicating her heroics against Belmont, as she caught Panfil off her line with a well-weighted lob, only to see her shot land harmlessly on the roof of the net.

The breakthrough was coming, though, and it was no surprise who it came from. Tucker, who has scored big goals for the team all season, won a corner after being double-teamed down on the Camels’ endline. Meghan Castaldo whipped in a majestic inswinger from the resulting set piece, and when Pansil couldn’t get a touch as she came out to claim, Tucker was on hand to head home from close range.

It was a clinical finish from the freshman, and the team-best eighth goal in a sparkling first campaign with the Bears, one that surely now must result in first-team all-conference honors for the Peachtree City native.

“Olivia seems to play well when the team really needs it the most,” Serafy said afterwards, “and that’s the mark of a great player.”

Johnson nearly doubled the advantage immediately after, but saw her shot whistle just outside the near post after a mazy run up the left.

The Bears had their hosts on the ropes, however, and just 10 minutes later, Castaldo would seal the deal with a stunner. Latching onto a loose ball on the right hand side of the Camel box, the senior controlled with her first touch before sending a rocket up into the upper–left corner of the net, giving the Campbell keeper no chance.

Kacie Hudson would nearly add a third for the Orange and Black late on, though Panfil saved easily after the center back was unable to get enough power on shot from six yards out.

The only bit of drama remaining would be to see if the Bears would extend their shutout streak to five straight matches, which they did when Worts was on hand to save Caity Brown’s point blank header off a free kick. And as the clock struck zero, the team sprinted out to celebrate its first-ever A-Sun regular season title.

While acknowledging what the team has accomplished thus far, Serafy and the Bears still recognize that there is plenty more silverware to be handed out in 2008. “We probably won’t reflect on this too much,” Serafy said. “We still have a goal in mind, and that is taking the next step with this team and winning the A-Sun tournament.”

The Bears wrap up their 2008 regular season on the road against Kennesaw State on Wednesday. Mercer will then have next weekend off before heading back to Kennesaw for the Atlantic Sun championship, which will be held Nov. 5-8. Having sewn up the top spot, Mercer will get a first round bye, joining the tournament in the semifinal stage.

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Special Olympics Georgia Launches Project UNIFY Initiative to Energize Youth

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) received $60,000 in funding to support the overall outreach initiative of the organization as part of Special Olympics' new national program, Project UNIFY.

Project UNIFY is a year-long project to activate young people across the country in an effort to promote school communities where all young people are agents of change -- fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics believes through sports young people can make a difference in friendships, schools and communities.

Project UNIFY promotes a cultural shift and positions Special Olympics as a leading cause among youth -- as important, not just "nice," and as relevant to each of us, not just for "them." In addition, Project UNIFY leadership activities will help develop the next generation of leaders and advocates for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

"This project is an excellent opportunity for our Programs to get directly involved in a grass-roots effort to increase the number of Special Olympics opportunities for youth with and without intellectual disabilities, while increasing the number of state-wide sustained Special Olympics partnerships with schools," said Bob Gobrecht, Special Olympics North America Managing Director. "The need for programs like the ones Special Olympics offers that encourage positive school climates with safe and nurturing environments for all students is clear, especially in light of how inappropriate and discriminatory words and actions are becoming more and more common in our society."

Special Olympics Programs throughout the United States were invited to apply for funds to implement Project UNIFY activities that meet the initiative's objectives through a competitive grant process. Special Olympics Georgia will use their funding to support the Young Athletes, Get Into It, Unified and Traditional sports programs.

All of these initiatives will attract children and adults with intellectual disabilities into the Special Olympics program. "Our goal is to make all eligible individuals aware of the many year-round ways to get involved in our sports training and competition programs throughout the state," said SOGA CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats.

Project UNIFY was made possible by $4.4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Education pursuant to fiscal 2008 appropriations under the authority of HR5131, "The Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act," and the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" which Special Olympics International received in June 2008.

To kick off Project UNIFY, 17 young people from across the country, aged 14-20, with and without intellectual disabilities, assembled in Washington, D.C., on 18-20 September for the first meeting of Project UNIFY's Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). The committee met during the Department of Education's 2008 Global Summit on Education, the theme of which was "Inclusive Practices for Students with Disabilities."

In addition to forming the Youth Advisory Committee, other overall Project UNIFY goals include promoting the Special Olympics "R-word" campaign, implementing a U.S. Special Olympics grant process for local Special Olympics Programs, hosting a Global Youth Congress as part of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, and participating in national forums and conferences on intellectual disabilities and education.

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