Beyond the Final Score: Green hair, ROTC, Crews, Clemson and Powdersville

EASLEY — When I first started out in sports writing, I got to cover a highly-talented baseball team on the Class A level. The wins started to pile up during the regular season and the baseball dads of the local team - right before the playoffs began - said that they would paint their hair the school colors (maroon and gold) if they made it to the state championship game.

Well, they made it to the state championship game and the dads “owned it” at the big game.

So last week, I went to an Easley baseball game and asked a couple of the baseball dads if they would paint their hair green if the Green Wave made it to the state championship game.

Luckily, I didn’t have to ask around too much. Brant Patton (Braxton’s dad) did not hesitate in saying: “I think we have the personnel to go to state and if we do, then all the dads are going to dye their hair green.”

There you go!

Brant called it!

You’ve got to love the enthusiasm of Brant, too. He very seldom sits up in the bleachers at the games - he’s always out taking pictures.

Now, not all of the EHS baseball dads were quite as gung-ho about painting their hair green.

Brett Tolbert (Aaron’s dad) was a bit more reserved when asked if he would paint his hair green if they make it to the state championship game.

“If we make it to the state championship game, I will go along with what the other dad’s decide and go along with the green hair.”

This thing could escalate and just take off, with the green hair.

Doug Limbaugh (the grandpa of Aaron Tolbert) added, “I’m a grandfather and I will (dye my hair green) too.”

Clemson football fans: Tiger Ruke Orhorhoro was selected No. 35th overall last week in the 2024 NFL Draft. Just a two-hour drive for local fans to see him play!

Green Wave Hoops: EHS sharphshooter Ethan Crews, playing for the E.A. Prep Stars Adidas Gold 17U team will be playing in Anaheim, California from April 26-28.

Local ROTC: Last week, Pickens High School held a special ceremony for their standout ROTC students. Lt. Colonel John Rainville led the ceremony as several families were in attendance.

“Every year, a bunch of civic organizations in our community come forward to honor the contributions and performances of our junior ROTC cadets,” Rainville said. “These cadets were selected for these awards - first by their peers and then they were reviewed.”

The final award of the night was the prestigious Distinguished Cadet Award that went to Kip McCalister. “I only give one of those out a year,” said Rainville, “to show that he is at the top of his game and top of the program.”

PHS senior Nichalas Horn was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Marine Corpse League. Horn, too, is also planning to join the Marine Corps after graduation.

“I really like the challenge that the Marine Corps gives and the benefits,” he said.

Outside the Lines: The town of Powdersville will be hosting the AnMed Rhythm on the River this Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. at the Dolly Cooper Park. Live music (six bands), local makers, food trucks and a kids zone.