Augusta Christian year in review

Lions roar into state football finals

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Consider the rematch set.

Two teams extremely familiar with one another will face off Friday in the South Carolina Independent Schools Association Class AAA football state championship.

Augusta Christian will take on Hammond for the state title. For the Lions, there's unfinished business to take care of in this rivalry.

"Our rallying cry since last year has been 'finish,' " Augusta Christian football coach Bruce Lane said. "We felt like we were 5 minutes away from a second state championship last year, but we did not finish."

Athlete returns after neck injury

Feb. 17, 2008

The video showing Jared Auston breaking his neck is locked away.

Not because the footage is particularly gruesome. On the advice of attorneys, Augusta Christian Schools athletic officials kept the tape in case legal action was taken against the school. Six months have passed since the Border Bash jamboree in August, though, and the player and his family do not appear to be considering litigation.

They don't fault the school or the Lions' football coaches.

They credit God.

Motes signs with Armstrong Atlantic

Dec. 19, 2007

Matt Motes followed his neighborhood friends to the golf course as a child. He spent his time at Belle Meade in Thomson or at Bartram Trail. His round of 67 at the Grovetown course is one of the best at the high-school level.

The choice to swing a pitching wedge instead of a tennis racket paid off last weekend. On Friday, Motes signed a national letter of intent to play golf at Armstrong Atlantic.

"I like the idea of a one-man team better," he said. "You take full responsibility for all your actions."

Lion is ready to roar at Louisburg

March 12, 2008

The bleachers were quiet during an Augusta Christian baseball game Thursday -- until Zach Cooper showed up and sat in the first row.

From then on, no one -- from the opposing pitcher to Lions batters in the on-deck circle -- was safe from Cooper's good-natured ribbing.

The Lions senior signed Friday to play football for Louisburg (N.C.) College, leaving Augusta Christian coach Bruce Lane to replace a key member of his offensive line, in addition to a big personality.

"He's a fun-loving guy," Lane said. "He likes to develop a relationship with those around him."

Lions grad set to test his versatility

June 4, 2008

Corey Critell decided as a sophomore at Greenbrier to give track a shot.

He and a friend tried out for the team, and Critell quickly picked up what would later become his best event.

"I just picked up a shot put," Critell said. "I kind of just taught myself."

Critell enrolled at Augusta Christian this year as a senior.

He finished second in the shot put at the South Carolina Independent Schools Association AAA state meet and signed a track scholarship with Shorter College on May 29.