Girls coach breeds winners
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Greenbrier's softball team celebrates after winning the region championship during a season in which the team never lost to a Class AAAA opponent. The team went on to win its first state title.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
If high school coaches were paid like their college counterparts, then Garrett Black would be up for a contract extension after the 2004-05 school year.
Black took his softball and basketball teams to new heights this past year to headline another banner season for Greenbrier.
The softball team opened the fall sports season with its first state championship. Ace Kristan Glover was brilliant throughout the playoffs, not allowing a run in 47 innings. The Wolfpack cruised through the state sectionals and the state tournament in Columbus for the championship. In fact, Greenbrier didn't lose a game against a Class AAAA opponent all season.
Black took a week off and jumped into basketball season, leading the Lady 'Pack to the most wins in school history and the first playoff appearance in school history. Greenbrier made it to the state final four and lost a heartbreaker to Westside-Macon.
Greenbrier senior Kristan Glover winds up for the pitch against Oconee County in their first game of the season. Glover went on to lead the team to a championship finish.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
But Greenbrier's athletic successes didn't stop with Black.
The boys basketball team followed suit by making its first state playoff appearance. The Wolfpack had one of the biggest victories in school history with a home win against ranked Baldwin, but later lost in the first round to Douglas County.
The boys cross country team had its best season ever finishing second at the state meet. Senior Tyler Warren finished first at the meet and became the first cross country state champion from Greenbrier.
Greenbrier also celebrated its best season in girls soccer. The Wolfpack (18-2-2) went unbeaten for more than two months. Forward Stephanie Fransoso, a junior, broke the school record for goals and is one assist shy of the school record. Marist School ended the Wolfpack's season in the state quarterfinals. Another private school, St. Pius X, ended the boys soccer season a day later in the state quarterfinals.
Greenbrier's Rich Poythress (left) goes up for a rebound against Evans' Hank McCladdie during Greenbrier's 45-44 win over Evans on Jan. 25.
Photo by Kevin Martin
Alisha Simmons won a state title in the long jump, and the girls tennis team won the region title.
The spring sports season wasn't all good for Greenbrier.
The baseball team missed the playoffs for the first time in school history. Greenbrier lost by one run in Game 3 of the region playoffs to eventual region champion Statesboro.
Greenbrier's volleyball team made it to the playoffs and was ranked for much of the year.
Greenbrier's Tyler Warren won the state cross country championship in Class AAAA.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Wrestler Jay Adkins won his second-straight region title in the heavyweight class.
Although the football team entered the season with playoff aspirations, the Wolfpack struggled after quarterback Sean Gray and receiver Eugene Rogers missed extensive action. Greenbrier had a chance to make the playoffs but lost by a point to Effingham County and was demolished by Statesboro. A win over either would have landed the Wolfpack in the playoffs.
Greenbrier teammates celebrate their victory after beating Lakeside at Greenbrier High School on April 20.
Photo by Michael Holahan