AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 12
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Whither Jamaal, Curry, Kristi and Buzz?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Been a while, like since before Mike Knobler let everybody know he has moved on to cover the Thrashers. That all happened, in fact, while I was outta town on vacation.
I don’t know any more about Jamaal Evans’ decision to leave Tech than the story on-line reflects, at least not in concrete terms. Coach Paul Johnson said it wasn’t his place to go into that kind of detail.
Jamaal had a couple family members in an automobile accident last fall, but I don’t know if his move relates to that or any other family issue.
I don’t think it has to do with the new head coach, or system, or anything like that. I’m not even certain of that, however.
The two incoming A-backs, Peeples and Wright, look like good fits in Evans’ old (new) position.
I’ve worked on a couple interesting stories recently, one at assistant track coach Nat Page, who works with jumpers and hurdlers not only at Tech but some very fine international-caliber athletes as well. Hopefully, that story will run soon. Very interesting guy, with a deliberate coaching/teaching style that clearly is well thought-of.
Another story: Kristi Miller turning pro. Her debut begins Sunday, in a small USTA tournament in Houston, where in addition to playing singles she’ll play doubles with former Tech teammate Amanda McDowell (don’t have to be pro to play in the tournament).
The purse for the entire tournament is just $10,000 so it’s as much or more about accumulating points, and bumping up ranking, as it is about making money. It’s not as simple as just filling out some paperwork and saying, “I’m a pro now.” She’s living with a family in Candler Park. The mother, Molly Croft, works at Tech.
That story should be in the Sunday paper.
Bill Curry as Ga. State’s first coach? Hey, that probably ranks as a coup for the Panthers, right? Name recognition, familiarity with the city, etc. Tough road to hoe long-term.
Buzz, the mascot and 60 alumni will be rappelling off the 36-story Viewpoint tower on Peachtree Street across from Gordon Biersch Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.
Why? I can’t say for sure, but it ought to be an interesting visual.
I’ll be back.
Matt
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