JOHNS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL - 2009-10 SOFTBALL NEWS ARCHIVE

LINDSEY ANDERSON NAMED TO 2009 GACA ALL-STATE TEAM IN AAA (POSTED 12/5)
Senior Lindsey Anderson has been named to the 2009 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) All-State team for the AAA classification. This is a tremendous honor for the Senior pitcher that recognizes her as one of the top players in the state. Check the links below for the complete GACA AAA All-State team and the official release of the GACA Region 5-AAA All Region team. Congratulations to Lindsey on her selection to the All-State team.

2009 GACA AAA All-State Team
2009 GACA Region 5-AAA All-Region Team

JCHS TENTATIVELY ASSIGNED TO REGION 7-AAAA (B) FOR 2010-14 (POSTED 12/2)
The GHSA region classification subcommittee released its recommendations today for Region alignments to take effect in 2010. Johns Creek has been tentatively placed in Region 7-AAAA Sub-Region B. Joining JCHS in Region 7-AAAA (B) is Chattahoochee, South Forsyth, Forsyth Central, Creekview, and Lambert. For a complete list of recommended region assignments in all classifications, download the following document from the GHSA.

GHSA Proposed Region Alignments for 2010-14

JCHS SENIOR, LINDSEY ANDERSON, SIGNS LETTER ON INTENT WITH TECH, 11/17 (POSTED 11/18)
Senior pitcher, Lindsey Anderson, signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) with Georgia Tech University on Tuesday, 11/17, at Johns Creek High School. Principal Buck Greene, Athletic Director Steve Hall, Head Coach Billy Nicholson, Assistant Coaches Dick Prindle and Beth Spak, Lindsey, and her family were joined by Georgia Tech softball staff, her pitching instructor Lacey Ingram, and Gladiator team mates as she executed her letter of intent to play softball at Georgia Tech for the 2010-11 school year. To read more about Lindsey and other Georgia Tech signees for 2010, check out the following link on the Georgia Tech sports web site.

Georgia Tech Softball Inks Four During Early Signing Period

GLADIATOR SENIOR & ALL-STATE PLAYER, LINDSEY ANDERSON, SIGNS WITH TECH

GHSA RELEASES SCHOOL RE-CLASSIFICATIONS FOR 2010-14 (POSTED 11/13)
The GHSA has released its preliminary re-classification report for Georgia high schools for the 2010-14 period. Based on a projected enrollment of 1600 students for next year, Johns Creek has been moved to AAAA. Joining JCHS in AAAA are Chattahoochee, Lambert, and South Forsyth just to mention several local schools. The re-classification is subject to review and appeal by Georgia schools and the final results will be available in early 2010. Click below to download a copy of the initial GHSA re-classification report.

GHSA Classifications for 2010-14 (Preliminary)

JCHS SENIOR, LINDSEY ANDERSON, NAMED TO ALL-STATE EAST SQUAD (POSTED 11/4)
Senior pitcher, Lindsey Anderson, will put the final touch on her outstanding high school softball career when she participates in the Georgia Dugout Club All-Star game on Saturday, November 7th, at Mercer University. Lindsey was named to the East Squad over the weekend. Congratulations to Lindsey on this great honor.

JCHS HEAD COACH BILLY NICHOLSON TO COACH ALL-STATE EAST SQUAD (POSTED 10/28)
JCHS Lady Gladiators Head Coach Billy Nicholson was again honored this week for his outstanding first season with the Johns Creek High School softball program. Coach Nicholson was selected by the Georgia Dugout Club as one of the East Squad coaches for the upcoming State All-Star softball game to be played at Mercer University (Macon) on Saturday, 11/7. This is a tremendous honor for Coach Nicholson and is recognition for the fine job he and his staff did with the Lady Gladiators softball program in 2009. Coach Nicholson joins Coach Dooley of Collins Hill, Coach Tenney of Greater Atlanta Christian, and Coach Batchelor of Brookwood on the staff of the East Squad. Players will be selected on 10/31 and will then compete in a 3-game round robin against squads from the North, South, and East.

GHSA STATE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS CROWNED (POSTED 10/24)
The GHSA state softball championships in all classifications concluded on Saturday with 3 repeat winners and 2 new champions:

            A: Eagles Landing, AA: Buford, AAA: Columbus, AAAA: Marist, AAAAA: Collins Hill

The AAA Elite 8 bracket has been updated to reflect Saturday play -- Northside Columbus was the runner-up with Heritage and Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe both from Region 6-AAAA as the 3rd and 4th placed finishers.

        AAA Elite 8 State Softball Championship Bracket (Updated 10/24)

LADY GLADIATORS END SEASON WITH LOSSES TO ELBERT COUNTY (POSTED 10/13)
The Lady Gladiators left it all on the field Tuesday night in their first state playoff series with 8-AAA opponent Elbert County. As has become customary in championship play for the Lady Gladiators, both games required extra inning ITB format to decide the ultimate winner. JCHS dropped the first game 2-1 in 8 innings and then battled Elbert County to a 1-1 tie in regulation play in the 2nd game. In the first extra frame, the Lady Gladiators pushed across a run to take a 2-1 lead but Elbert County scored 2 to take a 3-2 win. With the win in game #2, Elbert County moves on to the 2nd round of the state playoffs against the winner of the Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe/Lumpkin County series. In a bright spot for the Lady Gladiators in game #2, Erin Thorn drove a fastball over the 200' mark in CF for the first out of park home run at the Johns Creek HS softball complex. In a season of firsts for the JCHS softball program, the Lady Gladiators were a Buford Tournament division winner, 5-AAA Sub-Region "B" champions, Region 5-AAA runner-up, placed 4 players on the Region 5-AAA All Region team including the Player of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year, and they earned a trip to the state playoffs. Head Coach Billy Nicholson was also recognized by his Region 5-AAA peers as co-coach of the year. The team exceeded all expectations for them going into the season and everyone is proud of the team and the coaching staff.

LADY GLADIATORS GARNER 5-AAA ALL-REGION HONORS (POSTED 10/12)
The Lady Gladiators softball program was recognized for its outstanding performance in Region 5-AAA play this season by the head coaches of the Region 5-AAA schools. Lindsey Anderson earned top honors in the Region with her selection as the 5-AAA Player of the Year. Erin Thorn was recognized as the 5-AAA Defensive Player of the Year. Both players were also 1st team All-Region selections. In the process, Lindsey and Erin were recognized as two of the top three players in Region 5-AAA this season. Also recognized as the best in the Region was Head Coach Billy Nicholson who shares 5-AAA Coach of the Year award with Joe Winland of St. Pius. Coach Nicholson was widely recognized by the other coaches in the Region for the outstanding job he did with the first year program but also for the sportsmanship, class, and passion that characterize the Johns Creek softball program. Region 5-AAA coaches also bestowed honors on two freshmen Lady Gladiators. Courtney Jacobs was selected 1st team All-Region joining Lindsey and Erin. Jenna Restivo was selected 2nd team All-Region giving JCHS 4 players selected to the All-Region team in its inaugural season. Congratulations to all of the players and to Coach Nicholson on their 2009 All-Region selections.

Lindsey Anderson                        5-AAA Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Region 5-AAA
Erin Thorn                                      5-AAA Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Region 5-AAA
Courtney Jacobs                           5-AAA 1st Team All-Region
Jenna Restivo                                5-AAA 2nd Team All Region
Head Coach Billy Nicholson         5-AAA Co-Coach of the Year

Click here to see the 5-AAA All-Region Selections from all schools

**** Region 5-AAA News Flash: Lindsey Anderson 5-AAA Player of the Year, Erin Thorn 5-AAA Defensive Player of the Year, Coach Billy Nicholson 5-AAA Co-Coach of the Year ***

JCHS SOFTBALL UPCOMING EVENTS - AAA STATE PLAYOFFS VS. ELBERT COUNTY (UPDATED 10/10)
The Lady Gladiators were defeated by St. Pius on Thursday night at Johns Creek in two outstanding high school softball games that featured a little bit of everything. The first game was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation play with St. Pius scoring twice in the 8th inning and the Lady Gladiators only once to make the final score 4-3. In the nightcap, both teams battled again in an extra inning affair until St. Pius scored twice to take the victory 4-3 in a marathon 12-inning affair. For those fans paying their $5 admission, they certainly got their money's worth in terms of entertainment from both teams. The Lady Gladiators now enter the state playoffs with the first and second games of round #1 scheduled for Johns Creek this Tuesday. The third game, if needed, will be played at Johns Creek on Wednesday. The Lady Gladiator's opponent will be Elbert County, the #3 seed from Region 8-AAA:

**** State AAA Tournament Note: the GHSA requires that JCHS charge $5 admission to the State tournament.
Gladiator booster club passes are not valid for Region & State tournaments ***

LADY GLADIATORS ADVANCE TO REGION FINALS WITH 3-0 WIN OVER RIVERWOOD (POSTED 10/8)
The Lady Gladiators defeated sub-region "B" foe Riverwood 3-0 on Wednesday night at the Johns Creek softball complex to advance to the Region 5-AAA championship series which begins Thursday. The Lady Gladiators will face another sub-region "B" foe in the Golden Lions of St. Pius. With the victory, the Lady Gladiators have secured either a #1 or #2 seed and home field advantage in round #1 in the upcoming state playoffs that begin next Tuesday. Erin Thorn continued her hot hitting streak banging out 3 singles on the night. The Lady Gladiators jumped out to a 1-0 lead in 3rd inning when Thorn singled. She was advanced to 2nd base on a sacrifice by Courtney Jacobs and Thorn then scored on a double to RC by pitcher Lindsey Anderson. In the 6th inning, the Lady Gladiators put the game out of reach when Jenna Restivo single to LF. She was advanced to 2nd by Kara Langill on a sacrifice bunt. Darby McNally then walked putting Lady Gladiators at 1st and 2nd. Candace Roper than delivered a single to RF scoring Kathy Hogan who was courtesy running for Restivo. On the play, McNally reached 3rd base and then scored on the next pitch on a passed ball to the backstop pushing the score to 3-0. That was all the run support Lindsey Anderson needed as she was again stellar in the circle for the Lady Gladiators. She held the Raiders in check all evening striking out 10 batters and only allowing one runner to reach 3rd base. She allowed one hit and only walked a single batter. The best 2 of 3 Region 5-AAA championship series begins Thursday at Johns Creek at 5:00pm with the second game to immediately follow the first. A third game, if necessary, would be played on Friday at Johns Creek.

LADY GLADIATORS WIN GAME #1 OF REGION TOURNAMENT, QUALIFY FOR STATE PLAYOFFS (POSTED 10/5)
The Lady Gladiators defeated Clarkston on Monday in the the opening game of the Region 5-AAA tournament. With the 15-0 3-inning victory, the Lady Gladiators qualified for the state softball playoffs as one of the top 4 teams to advance from Region 5-AAA. The Lady Gladiators will play again on Wednesday at JCHS against the winner of the Riverwood/Druid Hills game to be played Tuesday. The second round of the region tournament is a single game format and will be played at 5:30pm on Wednesday.

LADY GLADIATORS CLAIM 5-AAA "B" SUB-REGION TITLE, RUN RECORD TO 7-0 (POSTED 9/30)
The Lady Gladiators faced off against perennial AAA softball powerhouse St. Pius on Wednesday in a battle of the unbeatens in Region 5-AAA "B" play. The Lady Gladiators jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st inning and then added a run in the 3rd inning to lead 2-0. St. Pius fought back to cut the lead to 2-1 before the Lady Gladiators' bats started to heat up. In the bottom of the 6th inning, JCHS got timely hits and walks throughout the lineup to extend the lead to 7-1. With runners on 2nd and 3rd, Kara Langill doubled to drive home 2 more runs pushing the lead to 9-1 and ending the game in 6 innings by run rule. Leading the way for the Gladiators offense was Erin Thorn who was 4 for 4 and continues her hot hitting streak over the past 3 games. All of the Lady Gladiators contributed to the offensive display in a true team effort. As always, Lindsey Anderson was brilliant in the pitcher circle surrendering only several hits to the St. Pius lineup and a single run in the 3rd. With the victory, the Lady Gladiators moved to 15-6 overall and a perfect 7-0 in Region 5-AAA play.

The Lady Gladiators will play at Creekview on Thursday in a non-region contest which is a make-up from the Buford Tournament. They will return home to open Region 5-AAA tournament play on Monday against a yet to be determined 5-AAA Sub-Region "A" opponent. Game time and opponent will be announced Friday evening or Saturday morning. The Region 5-AAA tournament bracket and schedule can be found on the SCHEDULES page.

LADY GLADIATORS MOVE TO 6-0 IN REGION PLAY, SHOWDOWN WITH ST. PIUS ON DECK (POSTED 9/29)
The Lady Gladiators got off to a slow start against the Panthers of Carver-Atlanta on Wednesday night but the offense finally awakened enabling Johns Creek to take a 10-1 victory in a 5-inning affair. Lindsey Anderson was able to keep Carver in check while waiting for the offense to arrive. On Senior Night, Lindsey was the focus of attention prior to the game as the sole Senior for the 2009 Lady Gladiators. Lindsey and her family (father Kirk, mother Janelle, brother Duncan, and grandparents Floyd and Kathy) were joined by special guests Lacey Ingram (pitching instructor), Sharon Perkins (head coach, Georgia Tech), and Principal Buck Greene along with the JCHS Lady Gladiators coaching staff in an emotional pre-game ceremony. Lucy Carr, in a special tribute to Lindsey, sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem prior to the start of the game before assuming her position behind the plate as catcher filling in for Jenna Restivo who was ill. With no rest for the weary, the Lady Gladiators face the Golden Lions of St. Pius in a Region 5-AAA "B" match-up tomorrow. The winner will earn the #1 seed for Sub-region "B" in the Region 5-AAA tournament that begins next week.

LINDSEY AND HER PARENTS TAKE THE "LADY GLADIATORS BAT WALK" TO HOME PLATE	LINDSEY PICTURED WITH HEAD COACH NICHOLSON, PRINCIPAL GREENE, COACH PRINDLE, AND COACH SPAK

LINDSEY AND HER JCHS TEAM MATES LISTEN AS HER FATHER, KIRK, READS A SPECIAL MESSAGE	LINDSEY WITH THE JCHS COACHES WITH HER PHOTO COLLAGE IN FRONT OF HER

THE LADY GLADIATORS WENT ALL OUT ON THE DUGOUT DECORATIONS FOR SENIOR NIGHT	WHAT'S A PARTY WITHOUT A CAKE?

LADY GLADIATORS PUSH RECORD TO 13-6 (5-0) AS REGULAR SEASON ENTERS FINAL WEEK (POSTED 9/27)
The Lady Gladiators took advantage of breaks in the weather Friday and Saturday to play 2 games in the Milton Tournament and to complete a Region 5-AAA make-up game. On Friday, the Lady Gladiators squared off against Gilmer County losing 3-1 in a well-played game. Kara Langill was outstanding in the pitcher circle for Johns Creek but her team mates were unable to get the offense working in time to get her the necessary run support. In the 2nd game of the evening, Johns Creek fought back from a 4-2 deficit to take a 6-5 win over Dawson County. Erin Thorn went the distance in the circle for the Lady Gladiators and she had plenty of offensive support from her team mates as well as several critical defensive plays in the final inning as Dawson County mounted a late challenge. On Saturday, North Atlanta traveled to Johns Creek to take on the Lady Gladiators in a Region 5-AAA make-up. Playing under cloudy skies and mist in the air, the Lady Gladiators took care of business in 3 1/2 innings with a 14-0 Region win before the weather could become a factor. Overall, Johns Creek moved to 13-6 with a perfect 5-0 record in Region 5-AAA play. The Lady Gladiators have two remaining Region games this week against Carver on Tuesday 9/29 (Senior Night) and on Wednesday 9/30 against St. Pius. The Lady Gladiators will compete in the Region 5-AAA tournament starting Monday 10/5 with the schedule to be announced late this week.

LADY GLADIATORS EXTEND CURRENT REGION WIN STREAK (POSTED 9/24)
The Lady Gladiators traveled to Crim Complex on Wednesday for a Region 5-AAA game against the Grady Knights. Both teams were undefeated in Region play going into the game but the Lady Gladiators scored 8 runs in the 1st inning and then cruised the remainder of the way for a 5-inning 8-0 game shortened by the run rule. Lindsey Anderson was again solid and sharp in the circle for the Lady Gladiators facing the minimum 15 batters from Grady striking out 14 of them in the process. The win extends the Lady Gladiators win streak in the Region to 4-0 and their overall record to 11-5. The Lady Gladiators are entering the final stretch of Region play with North Atlanta on Saturday, Carver on Tuesday, and St. Pius on Wednesday.

LADY GLADIATORS EARN CRITICAL REGION VICTORY OVER RIVERWOOD (POSTED 9/23)
The Lady Gladiators traveled to Riverwood on Wednesday for a critical Region 5-AAA game against the Lady Raiders. In a hard fought contest, the Lady Gladiators earned a key Region victory 3-1 pushing their overall record to 10-5 and 3-0 in the Region. The Lady Gladiators got on the scoreboard in the 1st inning playing classic small ball. Erin Thorn reached on an error. Courtney Jacobs sacrificed Erin to 2nd base and Jenna Restivo stroked a single to RF to score Erin. Lindsey Anderson later singled home Erin Thorn for the 2nd run. In the 6th inning, Meghan Vonderhaar doubled to RF and Erin Thorn scored Meghan Caffrey (pinch running for Meghan Vonderhaar) with a clutch hit to CF. Lindsey Anderson went the distance for the Lady Gladiators in the circle and shutout the Lady Raiders through 6 2/3 innings before Riverwood plated a run in the bottom of the 7th inning. By that time, Riverwood was down to their last out and the rally ended with a fly ball to LF that was hauled in by Meghan Vonderhaar. Next up for the Lady Gladiators in Region 5-AAA play is Grady on Thursday followed by North Atlanta on Saturday.

LADY GLADIATOR SOFTBALL IN THE NEWS (POSTED 9/15 & 9/23)
As a result of their current win streak and play over the course of the last 2 weeks, the Lady Gladiators softball team received a nice write-up in the local paper. Click on the link below to read about the Lady Gladiators as they prepare for a week of critical Region 5-AAA games against St. Pius and Riverwood. The Lady Gladiators are also featured in the latest edition of the Johns Creek Herald with a team photo and write-up based on their division championship in the Buford Tournament. That link is also provided below. Go Lady Gladiators!!!

Click here to read about the Lady Gladiators and the Region Roundup

Click here to read the Buford Tournament article in the Johns Creek Herald

LADY GLADIATORS MOVE TO 9-5 OVERALL, 2-0 IN REGION 5-AAA (POSTED 9/10)
The Lady Gladiators improved their overall record to 9-5 including 2-0 in Region 5-AAA play with a 16-0 4-inning win against Therrell on Thursday afternoon. The Lady Gladiators jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the 1st inning and built on the lead each inning. Lindsey Anderson went the distance for the Lady Gladiators tossing a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts and facing the minimum 12 batters from Therrell in the 4-inning affair. The Lady Gladiators host St. Pius on Tuesday and go to Riverwood on Thursday in two key Region 5-AAA matchups next week. The Lady Gladiators also face AAAAA rival Milton on Wednesday.

LADY GLADIATORS JV LOSE A TOUGH ONE TO CREEKVIEW (POSTED 9/10)
The Lady Gladiators JV squad dropped a tough one 9-8 to Creekview on Wednesday. JCHS led most of the way before surrendering the tying and winning runs to Creekview in the bottom of the 7th inning. The JV squad has two games remaining this season including Marist and Buford.

LADY GLADIATORS JV SPLITS WITH WEST FORSYTH (POSTED 9/7)
The Lady Gladiators JV team split a doubleheader with the West Forsyth Wolverines on Labor Day Monday with a record crowd in attendance. It was standing room only (literally) at the Lady Gladiators softball complex with a great turnout of Johns Creek and West Forsyth parents, families, and friends. With outstanding Fall weather on hand, what better way than to spend a holiday afternoon and evening watching some great softball. The Lady Gladiators took game #1 4-2 behind a strong pitching performance in the circle from Erin Thorn. The Lady Gladiators scored 4 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to take the lead for good and then closed out the Wolverines in the top of the 7th for the victory. In game #2, Kara Langill was outstanding in the circle but the Lady Gladiators could not push across the runs despite having base runners in every inning including loading the bases in the final frame. The final score of the 2nd game was 5-3. The JV is in action again on Wednesday at Creekview.

LADY GLADIATORS EXTEND WIN STREAK TO 6 GAMES, EARN FIRST REGION 5-AAA VICTORY (POSTED 9/3)
The Lady Gladiators defeated the Washington Bulldogs 15-0 in a 3-inning game on Thursday night to earn their first Region 5-AAA victory. In the process, the Lady Gladiators extended their current win streak to 6 games hoping to carry the momentum through the Labor Day break and to their next Region 5-AAA contest against Therrell next Thursday (at Therrell High School).

LADY GLADIATORS DEFEAT MEADOWCREEK TO RUN RECORD TO 7-5 (POSTED 9/2)
The Lady Gladiators defeated Meadowcreek 12-0 in a 4-inning game on Wednesday behind the perfect game pitching of Lindsey Anderson. The Lady Gladiators took the lead 1-0 in the bottom of the 1st inning before breaking out in the 2nd and 3rd innings to run the lead to 12-0. The game was also notable in that it was the first in which the new Gladiators softball scoreboard was operational. Click on the photo to the right to see the operation scoreboard as it appeared at the conclusion of the game. There is also a rumor floating around that bleachers may be arriving next week. The Lady Gladiators continue to play well on the field and the JCHS softball complex keeps adding team and spectator amenities with each passing week. The Lady Gladiators open Region 5-AAA play on Thursday against Washington in a 5:30pm contest at the JCHS softball complex.

LADY GLADIATORS CAPTURE DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP AT BUFORD TOURNAMENT (POSTED 8/29)
The Lady Gladiators claimed their first tournament championship in the history of the young program by going undefeated their division of the Buford Invitational Tournament. In dominating fashion, the Lady Gladiators defeated Flowery Branch 10-2, Mountain View 4-0, and Monroe Area 8-0 in the finale. In the process, the Lady Gladiators outscored their opponents 22-2 on 23 hits. Lindsey Anderson struck out 10, 11, and 12 batters respectively in route to a 2-hitter, 1-hitter, and a no-hitter in the three tournament games. The defensive battery of Lindsey and catcher Jenna Restivo kept opposing hitters off balance all day long. Erin Thorn made several key defensive plays at 3B to end any thoughts of capitalizing on the short game. Infielders Kara Langill, Diana Ruth, and Candace Roper were solid in support of Lindsey while the outfield was generally bored for the entire day (but in a good way!).

The Lady Gladiators' bats came alive to give Lindsey plenty of offensive support. Every player in the lineup contributed offensively in a total team effort. The top 4 spots in the order accounted for 13 of the 22 runs with Erin Thorn going 5-10 with 6 runs scored and an RBI in the leadoff spot. Courtney Jacobs was 6-7 with 5 runs scored and 5 RBI in the #2 spot. Jenna Restivo was 3 for 9, Kara Langill 2 for 7, Diana Ruth 2 for 8, and Darby McNally 2 for 9. Diana scored 3 runs and Darby accounted for 3 RBI. Candace Roper had a great day at the plate going 3 for 9 and doubling twice against Flowery Branch. She finished with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Meghan Vonderhaar rounded out the offense with 4 walks and 2 runs scored. Congratulations to the Lady Gladiators and the coaching staff for bringing home the first trophy for the JCHS trophy case!!!

BUFORD TOURNAMENT CHAMPS WITH TROPHY	YES, THE TEAM HAS A SERIOUS SIDE :)

LADY GLADIATORS UNVEIL GAME DAY TEE SHIRT DESIGN (POSTED 8/28)
The Lady Gladiators and the coaching staff are sporting new game day tee shirts based on a design by senior pitcher Lindsey Anderson. The tee shirt designed specifically for Varsity and JV team members and the coaches uniquely identifies the players and staff that are proud to be part of the Inaugural Season of Johns Creek fastpitch softball who are creating a tradition of excellence that will carry forward to future seasons.

LADY GLADIATORS RALLY IN 7TH INNING TO DEFEAT WEST FORSYTH (POSTED 8/26)
The Lady Gladiators opened the Buford Invitational Tournament on Wednesday night against 7-AAA opponent West Forsyth. After spotting the Wolverines of West Forsyth a 5-1 lead through 6 1/2 innings, the Lady Gladiators erupted for 5 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to take a 6-5 win in their tournament opener. After loading the bases with no one out following hits by Kara Langill and Diana Ruth and a walk to Darby McNally, the Gladiators made the score 5-3 on a West Forsyth error on a Candace Roper hit and a fielders choice on a sharply hit ball by Meghan Vonderhaar. Courtney Jacobs walked to make the score 5-4 and then Lindsey Anderson delivered the big blow of the game. Lindsey hit a ball deep to the CF fence scoring Candace Roper and Erin Thorn to make the final 6-5. The Lady Gladiators continue play in the Buford Tournament on Friday against Creekview at 4:30pm and Union County at 7:30pm with all games being played at Creekview.

LADY GLADIATORS DEFEAT KELL IN HOME OPENER (POSTED 8/19)
The Lady Gladiators made history Tuesday evening in the first home game ever played at the Johns Creek High School softball complex. Cloudy skies and rain gave way to sunshine by game start time and the Lady Gladiators defeated the Kell Longhorns 12-7 for the first home win of the softball program. Lindsey Anderson pitched a complete game to get the win for the Lady Gladiators. Everyone in the lineup contributed at the plate with most every Lady Gladiator scoring at least once in the game. Click on the thumbnail picture below for a panoramic shot of the team and coaching staff on Opening Night of the Inaugural 2009 season of Lady Gladiators fastpitch softball. The Lady Gladiators are back in action at home Thursday against the Pope Greyhounds at 5:55pm.

A WEEKEND OF FIRSTS FOR JOHNS CREEK FASTPITCH SOFTBALL (ADDED 8/15)
August 14th/15th was a weekend of firsts for Johns Creek High School and in particular the JCHS Lady Gladiators fastpitch softball team. The Lady Gladiators played the first varsity softball contest for the new school on Friday night against AAAAA opponent Kennesaw Mountain. On Saturday, 8/15, the Lady Gladiators made more JCHS history as the team captured the first victory in any varsity sport for the young school. Coach Nicholson's young squad jumped out to a 4-0 lead on Wheeler and behind the senior leadership and pitching of Lindsey Anderson and strong pitching from sophomore Erin Thorn, the Lady Gladiators held off Wheeler 4-3 to make JCHS sports and softball history. Lindsey earned the first victory and Erin earned the first save in JCHS history. First run scored honors for the Lady Gladiators went to freshman Courtney Jacobs. All of the Lady Gladiators contributed to the victory and thoroughly enjoyed the first week and weekend of JCHS fastpitch softball.

COACH NICHOLSON AND THE TEAM FOLLOWING THE FIRST VARSITY WIN IN ANY SPORT BY A JCHS TEAM	SCORE! - COACH NICHOLSON WAVES HOME THE HISTORIC FIRST RUN OF THE JCHS SOFTBALL PROGRAM

JCHS SOFTBALL VARSITY AND JV ROSTERS ANNOUNCED (ADDED 8/9)
Head Coach Billy Nicholson has announced the 2009 JCHS varsity and JV rosters. Congratulations to all of the ladies selected to represent the JCHS Lady Gladiators softball program in its inaugural season. Please click here to visit the VARSITY page or click here to visit the JV page to see the 2009 player rosters.

JCHS SOFTBALL SPIRIT WEAR FOR PLAYERS AND FAMILIES (ADDED 7/19)
The JCHS Diamond Club will be offering various softball spirit wear items for sale for players and family members at the August 8th work day, player/parent meeting, and social. Please click here to visit the SPIRITWEAR page for more information including order forms that list available items and prices. Questions may be directed to Reese Jacobs or Cindy McNally.

GAA MEMBERSHIP & SOFTBALL PARTICIPATION FEE FORMS POSTED (REVISED 7/19)
The Gladiator Athletic Association (GAA), which is the athletics booster club for Johns Creek High School, is actively seeking members. JCHS athletic programs like softball are completely funded through family contributions and do not receive any funding from the schools. The two biggest sources of revenue for athletic programs are GAA Memberships and Player Participation Fees. A GAA membership packet explaining the membership levels and an application for membership have been posted below as well as on the FORMS web page. Additionally, the Softball Program Player Participation Fee Form has been posted below and on the FORMS web page. Participation fees for players participating in the 2009-10 softball program are due by August 8th following the conclusion of tryouts for the team. The participation fee only covers a fraction of the costs for a player in any sports program. Please consider joining the GAA where you can designate up to 70% of your membership fee to the softball program to be credited to our operating budget for the 2009-10 school year.

2009-10 Gladiator Athletic Association Membership Packet (includes application) (JCHS)

JCHS Softball Player Participation Fee Form 2009-10 (JCHS)

JCHS SPONSORSHIP SIGNAGE OPPORTUNITIES (ADDED 6/28)
The Gladiators Athletic Association (GAA), which is the main athletics booster club for JCHS, has released details of its sponsorship signage program. The GAA will be commissioning the creation of sign display sites in several locations on the JCHS campus. The sites will be professionally constructed and they will aesthetically blend with the campus. The GAA, and all sport booster clubs, are actively seeking sponsors that would like to advertise on the JCHS campus. Signage sites include the gymnasium, the football stadium, and the baseball/softball field plaza. Interested sponsors may download an artist's rendering of the signage display sites below (or click on the image to the right). For more information, download the GAA Sponsorship Signage Brochure below or contact Reese Jacobs or Cindy McNally (see the BOOSTER web page).

Click here to download the GAA Sponsorship Signage Brochure (PDF)

Click here to download the Artist's Rendering of GAA Signage Display Sites (PDF)

SOFTBALL FIELD PHOTOS FROM JCHS OPEN HOUSE (ADDED 6/20)
The JCHS Open House on Saturday, 6/20, was the first (and last) chance to get a close up view of the new softball field until the field is turned over by the contractor on July 27th (Monday). The Diamond Club spent the better part of the Open House at the field working with vendors to finalize quotes on Fall projects so we are ready when the field is turned over on 7/27. The field is looking great and with some of the planned upgrades, it will even be better by the time the Lady Gladiators take the field in early August. A number of future Lady Gladiators took advantage of the opportunity Saturday to check out the new field. For those unable to make the Open House, check out the pictures below as well as additional photos posted on the PHOTOS page.

PRELIMINARY JUNIOR VARSITY SCHEDULE RELEASED (5/27, UPDATED 6/5)
Coach Nicholson released today the preliminary and initial Lady Gladiators Junior Varsity schedule for the 2009 season. Additional games will be added to the schedule as they are confirmed. Click on the link below to download the initial copy of the JV schedule. It has also been integrated into the schedule worksheet that can be downloaded from the SCHEDULES web page.

Click here to download the 2009 Junior Varsity schedule

BUFORD INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE RELEASED (5/27)
The Buford Invitational tournament schedule has been released - click on the link below to download a copy of the schedule. Pool play commences on Wednesday, 8/26, with the Lady Gladiators playing West Forsyth (@ Creekview HS). The Lady Gladiators play two games on Friday, 8/28, to complete pool play. At 4:30pm, JCHS takes on Creekview and at 7:30pm JCHS finishes pool play against Union County. Both Friday games will be played at Creekview High School. The location and times for Saturday games will be based on the results of pool play.

Click here to download the 2009 Buford Invitational Tournament schedule

JCHS DIAMOND CLUB FORMED - BOARD MEMBERS & COORDINATORS SELECTED (4/14)
The JCHS softball Diamond Club was formed at the softball program meeting held at State Bridge Crossing Elementary School on Tuesday, 4/14. In addition to electing the Board Members of the Diamond Club for the 2009-10 season, program coordinators were named for a variety of essential softball program functions. For more information on the Diamond Club Board, program Coordinators, or to contact a member of the Diamond Club, please click here to visit the DIAMOND CLUB web page.

JCHS SOFTBALL PLAYER TRYOUT INFORMATION FORM & GHSA MANDATORY FORMS (4/14)
Players interested in trying out for the JCHS fastpitch softball program should complete the player interest form and email to Coach Nicholson as soon as possible. Click here to open the PDF form in Acrobat Reader (version 7 or higher), fill out the fields in the interactive form, save a copy to your local system, and then send the completed PDF form to Coach Nicholson (NicholsonW@fulton.k12.ga.us).

Softball tryouts are tentatively scheduled to begin Monday, August 3rd. Details for softball tryouts will be available on this web site as they are finalized. All players will need to complete the mandatory GHSA Participation Form and Medical Clearance Form prior to their participation in the tryouts. The medical form requires the signature of the player's physician so please plan accordingly to allow sufficient time for these forms to be completed prior to tryouts. Click here to visit the FORMS web page to download the mandatory GHSA forms.

COACH NICHOLSON CONFIRMS JCHS SOFTBALL ASSISTANT COACHES (4/2)
Coach Nicholson announced today that Dick Prindle and Beth Spak are joining the JCHS Fastpitch Softball program as Assistant Coaches. The JCHS program is fortunate to have as Assistant Coaches two dedicated individuals with extensive experience in fastpitch softball. For a more detailed bio for Coaches Prindle and Spak, please click here to visit the COACHES web page.

GHSA/REGION 5-AAA REVERSE DECISION ON SOFTBALL POST-SEASON ELIGIBILITY (3/24)
After some intensive efforts behind the scenes to persuade the GHSA and Region 5-AAA to re-consider its position with regard to post-season eligibility for the softball program, we are pleased to announce that the original decision has been rescinded and that the JCHS softball team is now fully eligible for post-season play in 2009. The Lady Gladiators will of course have to earn the right to participate in post-season play by finishing in the top-4 in sub-region competition. The JCHS schedule will be updated soon to reflect the GHSA mandated changes to the softball state sectional format starting with the 2009 season (read below for more information).

GHSA VOTES TO CHANGE SOFTBALL PLAYOFF FORMAT AND RE-CLASSIFICATION CYCLE FREQUENCY (3/23)
The GHSA Executive Committee voted on Monday at its annual meeting in Forsyth to change the format of the fastpitch softball playoffs and to also move to a 4-year cycle for the re-classification of high schools based on enrollment. Instead of North and South Sectional playoffs where the top 16 teams from each of the North and South sections of the state play at a single site to determine which 8 teams will advance to the Elite 8 in Columbus, the GHSA voted to approve the use of the baseball playoff format in softball as well beginning with the 2009 season. Under this format, the #1 team from each region is paired with a #4 seed from another region in a best 2 of 3 series. The winner of the series advances to the 2nd round which is hosted by the higher seeded team of the two. At the conclusion of the 2nd round, 8 teams are left from each of the North and South and these teams advance to the Elite 8 in Columbus. With regard to re-classification, provision was made for schools to move up or down in classification in interim years if significant increases or decreases in enrollment occur. The next re-classification process is scheduled for 2010 following which a 4-year cycle will be instituted.

COACH NICHOLSON ANNOUNCES REVISED 2009 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE (3/5)
Coach Nicholson announced today (3/5) a change in tournament plans for the Lady Gladiators. Replacing the Watermelon Classic tournament on the Lady Gladiators schedule for August will be two excellent local tournaments: Kell Classic on 8/14-15 and the Buford Invitational on 8/26-29. Kell is a former AAAAA fastpitch state champion and Buford is the reigning AA fastpitch state champion so both tournaments will feature some of the best high school fastpitch teams from all classifications. Coach Nicholson has also confirmed the 3rd and final tournament of the 2009 season for the Lady Gladiators which will be the Milton Invitational on 9/23-26. This tournament follows the conclusion of sub-region regular season play and will serve as a warm-up for the Region 5-AAA tournament scheduled for early October. More details on these tournaments will be posted as they become available.

JCHS SOFTBALL 2009 FASTPITCH SOFTBALL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED (UPDATED 3/11)
On Tuesday, 3/3, Coach Nicholson released the 2009 Lady Gladiators 5-AAA sub-region schedule. The schedule includes games with each of our 7 sub-region opponents with 4 home games and 3 away games. The Lady Gladiators will face off with perennial Region favorites St. Pius X and Riverwood in consecutive games on 9/10 and 9/15. On Wednesday, 3/11, Coach Nicholson released a schedule update for the Lady Gladiators that reflects the addition of non-region games and tournaments. Click on the links below to view the 2009 schedule in Excel or PDF format.

2009 Lady Gladiators 2009 Fastpitch Softball Schedule (Excel)

2009 Lady Gladiators 2009 Fastpitch Softball Schedule (PDF)

BILLY NICHOLSON NAMED JCHS HEAD SOFTBALL COACH
Coach Billy Nicholson was selected in February of 2008 as the head coach of the new Johns Creek High School Lady Gladiators softball program. Coach Nicholson is a veteran baseball and softball coach and will also serve as the Head Coach of the JCHS Gladiators baseball team. He is currently the Head Baseball Coach at Centennial High School in his 5th year at the North Fulton school. Coach Nicholson is a graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University where he was a 3-year letterman in baseball. He will teach health and physical education at JCHS in addition to his coaching responsibilities for the softball and baseball programs.

JOHNS CREEK HS ASSIGNED TO REGION 5-AAA (B) FOR 2009-10
Johns Creek High School has been assigned by the GHSA to Region 5-AAA Subregion B for the 2009-10 school year. Teams in our subregion include Carver, Therrell, North Atlanta, Grady, Washington, St. Pius, and Riverwood. All high schools in Georgia will undergo re-classification by the GHSA for the 2010-11 school year at which time JCHS will be re-evaluated based on our current enrollment. Click here to see the Region breakdown in the AAA classification.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE JCHS FASTPITCH SOFTBALL PROGRAM EMAIL LIST
Subscribe to the JCHS fastpitch softball program email list to receive email notifications of meetings and special events. Click here to go to the email list subscription form, complete the form, and you will be added to the distribution list.