Every girl a winner; Ralston and Pruett; Those not written about

be? Let me explain.

We will limit our comments to the young ladies who play on the three high school softball teams in Gordon County. A multitude of girls play for Gordon Central, Sonoraville and Calhoun. Without hesitation I refer to each and every young lady on a team as “a winner.” It is true that they all can’t be a hero slugger like Maddie Bumgardner, a Kristen Davis, or my winner of “Play of the year” Mollie Locke. Not all can play on the state championship team as did those girls on the Calhoun Lady Jackets roster. Yet I refer to all the girls who wear the uniform of their school “a winner.”

Read carefully as it is declared that each girl – no matter their status on the team – is a winner by reason of two important qualities: By reason of 1) preparation and 2) participation each girl is a winner. I could add by reason of staying the course. That concept speaks for itself.

Each school, each coach, each parent and each young lady have great cause to be proud. You are a better person for having dedicated your time and energy to the game. You like the Apostle in another place said, “…I have finished the course.” All of you are winners.

A look at Coach Jerry Pruett and Coach Kayla Ralston

You won’t find two personalities in coach- ing as different as that of Coach Jerry Pruett and Coach Kayla Ralston. Both those people have been together in close association since Coach Pruett appeared on the scene some 15 years ago to become the head coach of Calhoun Lady Jackets basketball program.

Kayla was an eighth grader in Coach Pruett’s first year. On the way home from a game in Dade County, I told Kayla that when Cal- houn players said their prayers each night they should give thanks that Coach Pruett had come our way. It was early in the season and there were few indications as to the kind of record the former college coach would post. In answer to why did I suggest give thanks, my answer was because I knew things were going to be different on our court following a few years of slothful efforts on the part of our teams.

The question was how did I know it was going to be different? During Coach Pruett’s first summer the girls were moaning and groaning over how hard he was working them during their individual sessions. Those sounds indicated a change in direction. And change the direction headed.

Winning became the norm instead of the blasting by all other teams in North Georgia. Winning seasons, tournament and region championships were earned along the way. Coach Pruett, in a quiet and persistent manner, stamped the Lady Jacket program with pride and success.

Coach Pruett retired from the coaching ranks after last season. Kayla Ralston had been by his side as an assistant and JV coach for some nine years. She was awarded the job as head coach.