Sports Columns

Andy Kirk has already made a stellar reputation for himself in Union County. Leading West Union softball to a state title and working with East Union last school year, Kirk moved up in the coaching ranks this year, taking over the fairly young softball program at Itawamba Community College.

Earlier this week, we learned of the retirement of long-time Ingomar basketball coach, Norris Ashley. This closes an important chapter in not only Ingomar sports, but Union County and Mississippi athletics as well.
When I started here in 2008, I talked with friends about the job and tried to find out as much about the area as possible. The first thing I was told about was Norris; his legacy and his position as Mississippi’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

Bo Boatner grew a love for running at an early age, and after a hiatus from the sport, has returned to competition, recently running in  the USA Cross Country Championships in St. Louis, Mo.
Boatner began running as a teenager under the influence of his uncle. He entered not knowing how long he would last or if he would even enjoy the sport, but it was not long before his competitive nature took over.

There has been an increased interest in cycling in the community, and it is important for everyone to recognize the rights these individuals have while on the road.
Speaking with Robert Garrett, who is a part of a local cycling group in Union County, he emphasized a law that was passed in the state in 2010, called The John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act.
Mississippi shot down a bicycling law for two consecutive years leading up to Frerer’s death in a cycling accident. Now, the “three feet law” outlines rules for both cyclists and motorists.