Sports

Libby Pike digs a ball during the Mountain Madness Opener. (Contributed photos by Greg Withrow)

Libby Pike digs a ball during the Mountain Madness Opener. (Contributed photos by Greg Withrow)

Gilmer tops Fannin, later quarantined

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
After opening the volleyball seasons last Monday, Gilmer High varsity players are now in quarantine. They are set to return to practice this week and will be required to wear masks. Before they were sidelined, the Lady Cats traveled to Dawson County for the Mountain Madness Opener.
Gilmer High School freshman shortstop Sierra Williams fields a ground ball for the Lady Cats.

Gilmer High School freshman shortstop Sierra Williams fields a ground ball for the Lady Cats.

Rocky week for GHS Cats on diamond

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
The Gilmer High Lady Cats are still searching for their first softball victory. GHS wrapped up a tournament in Dalton last Saturday and posted a 0-3 record at the event. The Cats began the tournament Friday and narrowly lost to the Ridgeland Panthers, 2-1.
Gilmer quarterback Seth Darling lowers his shoulder to gain some extra yardage at the end of a run versus Fannin County last Friday.

Gilmer quarterback Seth Darling lowers his shoulder to gain some extra yardage at the end of a run versus Fannin County last Friday.

2021 GHS Bobcats unveiled vs. Fannin

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Gilmer High hosted Fannin County on the gridiron last Friday, but the outcome cannot be found in any record book. While the rivals normally meet during the regular season, this year’s matchup was preseason scrimmage.
Pitcher Austin Zabala hurls the ball to his brother, catcher Blake Zabala during a travel game. The home-schooled duo will take the field for Gilmer High next season.

Pitcher Austin Zabala hurls the ball to his brother, catcher Blake Zabala during a travel game. The home-schooled duo will take the field for Gilmer High next season.

SB 51 opens doors for home school students

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Georgia’s home-schooled students in grades 6-12 are now permitted to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities.
Gilmer’s Jacie Bennett keeps her eye on the ball in the Lady Cats’ season opener versus Sprayberry last Saturday.

Gilmer’s Jacie Bennett keeps her eye on the ball in the Lady Cats’ season opener versus Sprayberry last Saturday.

GHS softball starts season versus Sprayberry

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Gilmer High softball began its season last Saturday at home. The Lady Cats welcomed Sprayberry to town, and the Class 6A Yellow Jackets collected 12 hits while taking advantage of five GHS errors.
Gilmer spent last week installing its special teams packages, and the Bobcats are pictured above practicing field goals and extra points at Monday’s practice.

Gilmer spent last week installing its special teams packages, and the Bobcats are pictured above practicing field goals and extra points at Monday’s practice.

Gilmer, Fannin set to scrimmage Friday

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Gilmer High School football fans will get a glimpse of the new-look Bobcats when they scrimmage Fannin County Friday. The matchup comes after a spring and summer under head coach Paul Standard, who took over the program in January. The Bobcats started voluntary offseason training June 7.
From left in white, rising seniors Lewis Mulkey and Cade Carter will be at the center of Gilmer High School’s offense next season.

From left in white, rising seniors Lewis Mulkey and Cade Carter will be at the center of Gilmer High School’s offense next season.

GHS basketball reworks offense over summer

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Gilmer High basketball used the summer to start building team chemistry for next season, but COVID-19 altered the Bobcats’ normal routine.
Former Lady Cat infielder and 2021 Gilmer High honor graduate Jasmine Staley accepted a scholarship from Wesleyan College and will play softball for the Wolves.

Former Lady Cat infielder and 2021 Gilmer High honor graduate Jasmine Staley accepted a scholarship from Wesleyan College and will play softball for the Wolves.

3-time all-region Staley picks Wesleyan

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Three-time all-region infielder Jasmine Staley will keep her softball career rolling at the next level. Staley is a 2021 Gilmer High School honor graduate and will take the field for the Wesleyan University Wolves next season.
Gilmer High School volleyball players use a setting drill to warm up last Friday at their annual All-American camp. The three-day event concluded a camp schedule that started last Monday in Gainesville.

Gilmer High School volleyball players use a setting drill to warm up last Friday at their annual All-American camp. The three-day event concluded a camp schedule that started last Monday in Gainesville.

Gilmer High volleyball readies for new season

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Gilmer High School volleyball players started their preseason preparations Aug. 6. The Lady Cats graduated a nucleus of four starters off last year’s team who were consistent contributors during their time at GHS.
Naomi Coombs set five cross-country and track records at Gilmer High School and will continue her athletic and academic endeavors at Kennesaw State University.

Naomi Coombs set five cross-country and track records at Gilmer High School and will continue her athletic and academic endeavors at Kennesaw State University.

Record-setting Coombs off to KSU

Robbie Bills - Sports Editor
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Naomi Coombs left her mark on Gilmer High School athletics. The three-sport 2021 GHS graduate supplanted five total school records in track and field and cross-country, which prompted coach Josh Snider to call her, “The best runner to come through Gilmer County.