Sports

Last week, the Gatewood boys’ track and team won the GIAA Class AA state championship in Columbus. CONTRIBUTED

Last week, the Gatewood boys’ track and team won the GIAA Class AA state championship in Columbus. CONTRIBUTED

Gators bring home the gold

Last week, the Gatewood boys’ track and field team captured its third state championship in five years.It did so in dramatic fashion, too. The Gators trailed Trinity Christian by a few points entering the final event, the 4x400-meter relay race.
Putnam County senior Hunter Holder (4) delivered a pitch to the plate. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County senior Hunter Holder (4) delivered a pitch to the plate. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Putnam baseball eliminated in first round

Putnam County baseball’s season ended last week at Worth County in the first round of the playoffs. The Rams (22-7) swept the two-game series to eliminate the War Eagles (13-14) on Thursday.“I’m super proud of my guys. We fought until the end,” Putnam County head coach Mike Phiel said.
The departing seniors on the Putnam County boys’ soccer team include (l-r) Branjel Felix, Uri Jaimes, Christian Hernandez, Bryan Canales, David Cruz, Walfrey Sanchez, and Collin Garafolo. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

The departing seniors on the Putnam County boys’ soccer team include (l-r) Branjel Felix, Uri Jaimes, Christian Hernandez, Bryan Canales, David Cruz, Walfrey Sanchez, and Collin Garafolo. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Pierce County knocks out War Eagles

Putnam County soccer’s quest for a state championship ended in the second round of the state playoffs.Last Friday, Pierce County topped the War Eagles 2-1 at Al Reaves Stadium in Eatonton to advance.
Trey Wiggins has played in the infield as well as on the mound for the Gators this season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Trey Wiggins has played in the infield as well as on the mound for the Gators this season. TREY NORRIS/Staff

Gators finish No. 1 in region, ready for playoffs

Gatewood closed out its regular season on the diamond with two wins last week, including an important 7-3 victory on Tuesday over region rival Piedmont Academy.
James K Pressley/File Photo

James K Pressley/File Photo

Outdoors: Heroes I have known

Fishing and hunting have allowed me to meet some true heroes.A number of years ago, my family used to support a small, wounded warrior-style group out of Madison run by Col. Mike Steele. Now, for those of you who might not know Col.
On Monday, the Gatewood golf team captured the program’s first state championship since the 2001 season. (CONTRIBUTED)

On Monday, the Gatewood golf team captured the program’s first state championship since the 2001 season. (CONTRIBUTED)

Gators’ golf captures state title

The Gatewood golf team left no stone unturned, capturing the Georgia Independent Athletic Association Class AA championship on its home course at Harbor Club in Greensboro earlier this week.
Putnam County's Tristan Williams extends his body for a ball in last week's match against Cook. (LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff)

Putnam County's Tristan Williams extends his body for a ball in last week's match against Cook. (LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff)

Putnam coach confident in tennis teams’ growth

Last week, Putnam County’s tennis teams saw their seasons end in the first round of the state playoffs. Each team hosted a playoff match but came up short as the No. 2 seed War Eagles fell 3-0 to No. 3 seed Cook, while No. 4 seed Worth County shut out the top-seeded Lady War Eagles by a 5-0 score.
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: The Kentucky Derby

The running of the Kentucky Derby has always gotten my attention – long before I even had the opportunity to experience the “Run for the Roses” live and in living color.I will watch the 149th running of the Derby this Saturday via NBC with mixed emotions. I won’t have to fight the crowds.
Ames Johnson stares down the ball as he hits his first home run of the season. (TREY NORRIS/Staff)

Ames Johnson stares down the ball as he hits his first home run of the season. (TREY NORRIS/Staff)

Gatewood captures region baseball title

Despite a tough week on the diamond, the Gatewood Gators won their second straight region championship last week. The Gators are 5-0 in Region 2-AA, but four straight non-region losses have shown the Gators they still have room to improve with the playoffs nearing.
Emmanuel Meraz (10) scored three goals in Putnam County's win over Cook last week. (LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff)

Emmanuel Meraz (10) scored three goals in Putnam County's win over Cook last week. (LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff)

Meraz’s hat trick powers Putnam past Cook

Emmanuel Meraz added to his list of accomplishments this season in last Friday’s playoff match against Cook.Meraz scored the game’s only three goals, powering top-seed Putnam County (13-1) to a 3-0 win over Cook (8-11).