Local youths shine In The Spotlight

Students put talent on display

March 20, 2005

By TASHA STEIMER
Index-Journal staff writer

Some wore camouflage, white feather boas or overalls, while others were dressed as fruit, a Chinese takeout box and the colors of the rainbow.
More than 750 students performed Saturday in the annual In the Spotlight event, which showcases local talent from Greenwood County’s public schools.
Twenty acts from 16 schools participated with some students returning from last year including the Greenwood High School Dance Team and groups from Pinecrest Elementary School.
Fifth-grader Spencer Franks, who participated with his classmates last year, said their program this year was unique.
“I like the rap instead of regular music,” he said. “Ours has a lot of acting and drama.” Fourth-grader Megan Slimmer agreed.
“I like the speaking parts mixed with the singing. Most of the other groups are just singing.”
Franks and Slimmer both said they had fun working on the skit and weren’t nervous about performing in front of a crowd of more than 2,500 visitors at Horne Arena.
The Ninety Six Elementary Honors Chorus also returned this year and dedicated their performance “The Fabulous Fifties” to teacher Robin Strom who was killed with her family when their plane crashed Jan. 7.
This year’s event also marked some new groups performing including a guitar ensemble from Westview Middle School and the Greenwood District 50 Elementary Loyal Lakelanders which was made up of students from all of the district’s elementary schools.
Mathews Elementary School second graders Olivia Brooks and Zohria Wright performed with their classmates and fellow “Zoo Singers” for a jungle-theme performance.
“My mom though it will help me because I like to sing and it gave me something to do after school,” Brooks said. “I’m not nervous.”
Wright said she her favorite part of their act was the Tarzan yell and playing in the jungle park.
Barbara and Marvin Cox, of Greenwood, were presented the Champion of Youth Award for their volunteer work in the community by Connie Maxwell Children’s Home President Dr. Ben Davis.
Lander University President Daniel Ball and the Education Enrichment Foundation Board of Directors Chairman Larry Hammond opened the event, and Brewer Middle School’s Pam Fagan and Lander University’s Bob Taylor were masters of ceremonies.

Bearcats rally for split

March 20, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

A timely hit is what the Lander University baseball team needed during Saturday’s Peach Belt Conference doubleheader against Columbus State at Legion Field.
The Bearcats failed to get the hit in the opener, falling to the Cougars, 5-1. But in the nightcap, Lander rallied with four runs during the final two innings to beat Columbus State, 4-1.
“I thought we swung the bats pretty well today,” Bearcats coach Mike McGuire said. “We just couldn’t string them together; couldn’t get that timely hit. We hit some double-play balls that took us out of innings.”
Both teams hit into four double plays during the pair of games Saturday.
David Glover (6-1) started on the mound in the opener for Lander, giving up five runs on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked three and had six strikeouts in taking his first loss of the season.
Brian Baker pitched a complete game for the Cougars (13-13 overall, 6-7 PBC). Baker scattered 12 hits, while giving up just one run, and striking out five.
“There was a reason why Brian Baker was an All-American last year,” McGuire said. “He’s pretty good. I thought, for the most part, we had pretty good at-bats against him. He’s just a good pitcher.
“I didn’t think David Glover pitched as well as he’s been pitching. I thought our bullpen did a great job in that first game, keeping us in it and giving us a chance. We just couldn’t get the big hit.”
Pitching in relief for Lander were Tom Peterson, Justin Altman, former Greenwood High School standout William Dudley and Tyler Addison.
The pitchers combined to work the final 3 1/3 innings, surrendering one hit and striking out four.
The Bearcats (19-9, 7-4), ranked No. 9 in Division II, trailed for the entire game and scored their only run in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Radley Raven went 2-for-4 at the plate for Lander, scoring the only run as James Compo, who went 2-for-4, picked up the RBI.
In the second game, David Wilson pitched a complete-game five-hitter in earning his sixth win. The senior left-hander gave up a run in seven innings and had five strikeouts.
“David pitched extremely well in the second game,” McGuire said. “We finally broke through with a couple of timely hits.”
Lander trailed 1-0 going into the bottom of the fifth, but tied the game after David Walton scored on an RBI single by Ryan Roeder.
The Bearcats broke the game open by scoring three runs on two hits in the sixth inning.
Adam Hutchins, who went 2-for-3, opened the inning with a single to center and advanced to second on a Jeremy Ryals sacrifice bunt. Abbeville High School standout Jonathan Myers, who was 1-for-2, was hit in the helmet by a pitch.
With two down in the inning, Walton walked to load the bases and Ryan Brisby followed with a base on balls, scoring Hutchins from third.
After a pitching change, Compo singled to right, scoring Myers and Walton, giving Lander a 4-1 lead.
Brent Benefield started for the Cougars, going 5 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on six hits. Hurston Pittman and Korey Noles pitched in relief.
Lander concludes its series against Columbus State 1 p.m. today at Legion Field. Chris Marks will get the start for the Bearcats.

Opinion

Congress right to probe baseball and steroid use

March 20, 2005

They are all about money, really. On top of that, though, is how they pose a threat to the health of children everywhere.
The subject, of course, is steroids in baseball and the congressional hearings involving Major League Baseball and players.
Look at the money first. Major League owners want to profit from the game of baseball. That means they are willing to pay millions to players who can excel in hitting, running, catching and pitching ….. or show great promise in any of those categories. Sometimes, experience shows, even mediocre players hit the salary jackpot.
Now, consider youngsters, whether they are in South Carolina or the Dominican Republic. They see their baseball heroes – every red-blooded American boy has them – and they worship the ground they slide on.

THOSE PLAYERS/HEROES ARE, to be sure, role models for kids. If they see those role models putting up big numbers, and they are using steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs, the message is clear ….. especially to an impressionable youngster. Turn to steroids, they think, and they, too, can become a star.
But, then, there’s the money angle, again. If other youngsters are using steroids to give them an advantage, isn’t it logical that to compete for recognition and possible riches in the future, they would think they have to try steroids, too?
Oh, yes, there’s another consideration in the big picture, and it, too, involves money and we the people. It’s simply that we have and do put too much emphasis on winning athletic contests ….. regardless of the cost.

WE PAY EVER-INCREASING PRICES to see good or even average players do their thing. The more we pay the more we want our teams to win. And just what kind of message do athletes – young or old – get from the pressure to win? If it takes steroids, why not?
Some people may not think the congressional hearings are warranted or worthwhile. Some may think it’s none of Congress’s business to involve itself – by subpoena – in baseball’s business.
Considering the consequences of steroid use in a variety of situations, if Congress doesn’t clean up baseball and other sports, who will. It’s obvious that owners and/or other baseball officials haven’t done it.
For the moment, the spotlight is on baseball. There are sure to be questions about other sports, too.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Annie Palmer Burgess

Annie Palmer Burgess, 91, widow of Jamie Isaac Burgess, died Saturday, March 19, 2005 at NHC of Greenwood.
Born in Covington, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Mark Ingram and Eliza Allison Palmer. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Laurens. She was predeceased by two daughters, Elizabeth Greeson and Alice Ruth Burgess.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Gene “Dorothy” Gardner of Hodges; a son, James Burgess of Lanexa, Va.; two sisters, Mae Cook of Laurens and Luck Hood of Augusta; a brother, Mark Palmer of Greenwood; eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services will be 11:00 am Monday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Nena Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
The body is at Harley Funeral Home where the family will receive friends following the service.
The family is at the home of her daughter, 4517 Main Street, Hodges. The family is at the home.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com PAID OBITUARY

Genie Lawton

ABBEVILLE, SC — Eugenia ‘Genie’ Smith Lawton, 76, resident of 285 Noble Drive, wife of Morris Wallace Lawton died Saturday, March 19, 2005 at her home.
Born in Anderson, SC she was a daughter of the late James Frank and Annie Simmons Smith.
She was a graduate of Lander University and was retired from the Abbeville Milliken Plant. She was also a member of the Abbeville Presbyterian Church.
Survivors are: Husband Morris Wallace Lawton of the home; 2 daughters, Marsha L. Cox of Abbeville, Eugenia (Genie) Carole Lawton of Columbia, SC; 2 sisters, Carolyn S. Clarke of West Palm Beach, FL, Barbara S. Richardson of Staunton, VA; 2 grandchildren, Carmen L. Noblin and Joshua M. Cox; 1 Great Granddaughter Alexis Noblin.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, March 21, 2005 at 2:00 PM at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. George Wilson officiating. The burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery.
The body is at The Chandler-Jackson Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:30 PM Sunday evening. The family is at the home, 285 Noble Drive, Abbeville, SC.
Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
THE CHANDLER-JACKSON FUNERAL HOME, ABBEVILLE, SC IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
PAID OBITUARY

Bill Lott

NINETY SIX — William James “Bill” Lott Sr., 74, of 506 S. Cambridge St., and husband of Doris Cooper Lott, died Saturday, March 19, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Visitations will be Sunday evening at the home of Lynn and Henry Young at 11 Roxanna Drive in Ninety Six.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Rosa Lee Mobley

Services for Rosa Lee Mobley are 2 p.m. Monday at St. Vaughnville Baptist Church in Chappells, conducted by the Rev. R.A. Pilgrim, assisted by the Revs. Ronnie Lomax and Annette Edwards. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are members of the Brewer High School Class of 1960.
Flower bearers are members of the Brewer High School Class of 1960.
The family is at the home, 232 Lindsey Avenue.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

William Reed Todd Jr.

William Reed Todd Jr., of 110 Southport Road, Spartanburg, died Friday, March 18, 2005.
Services will be announced by Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home, 2930 Colonial Drive, Columbia.
Announcement courtesy of Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Sarah Weatherford

POLKVLLE, N.C. — Sarah Leona Rush Weatherford, 91, widow of Leslie Edward Weatherford, died Friday, March 18, 2005 at Century Care of Shelby in Shelby, N.C.
Born in Greenwood County, she was a daughter of the late Daniel and Louise Rush. She was a member of Polkville Baptist Church and the Senior Citizens Club of the church.
Survivors include a son, Ferman Weatherford of Shelby, N.C.; four sisters, Lois Trammell, Frances Arnold, Dot Lathem and Margie Adams, all of Greenwood.
Services are 1:30 p.m. today at Polkville Baptist Church. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 1-1:30 p.m. today at Polkville Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to Polkville Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 245, Polkville, N.C.
28136 or to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, N.C. 28150.
Announcement courtesy of Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Clyde Wright

WARD, SC — Clyde Ray Wright, 66, of 228 Neighbors Rd., died Friday, March 18, 2005, at his residence.
Born in Saluda County, he was the son of the late Willie Moseley and Nellie Padgett Wright. Mr. Wright was an electrician with Austin Industrial in Augusta and was a member of St. William’s Catholic Church.
Surviving is a son, Patrick C. Wright of Ward, two daughters, Ranell W. Shealy of Leesville and Teresa W. Gossett of Rock Hill and four grandchildren, Meagan Morris, Mandi Morris, Brooks Shealy and Christopher Gossett.
A brother, Willie Moseley Wright Jr., preceded Mr. Wright in death.
The Funeral Mass will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 21, 2005, at St. William’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Ninedorf and Rev. Mr. John Klein officiating. Interment will follow in Mount of Olives Cemetery in Johnston.
The Christian Wake Service and visitation will be 6 until 8PM Sunday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to St. William’s Catholic Church, 1199 Ridge Spring Highway, Ward, SC 29166 or to Portsbridge Hospice, 109 West Hospital Dr., West Columbia, SC 29169.
PAID OBITUARY