History and Memory of the Toomer’s Oaks

 

by: Janet Kynard, It Happens in Alabama, janet@ithappensinalabama.com


 1868 – Sheldon Toomer, Sr. moves to Lee County after the Civil War. In 1872, Sheldon L. Toomer, Jr. graduates from Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama (now Auburn University). He later returns for a pharmacy degree. In 1880, the Toomer’s oaks are planted, perhaps by Judge John Harper, founder of the city of Auburn. In 1892, Students congregate to the corner of Magnolia Avenue and College Street to celebrate after football games.

1896 – Sheldon Toomer opens Toomer’s Drugstore on the corner of Magnolia and College, home to the only telegraph machine in town. In the late 1800′s Toomer’s employees develop a signal system to notify the community of Auburn football wins at away games. They threw ticker tape from the telegraph machine onto the power lines outside the store. In 1907, Sheldon Toomer opens Auburn Bank on the  corner of Magnolia Ave & College St. During the 1900′s, the corner remains a popular location for fans and residents of the  community to congregate.

1952 – Mac and Elizabeth Lipscomb purchase Toomer’s Drugstore from state Senator Sheldon Toomer. In 1962, fans begin rolling power lines outside of the drugstore with toilet paper to celebrate away game wins. In 1972, Don Haisten graduates from Auburn with a pharmacy degree. In 1984, Mark Morgan purchases Toomer’s Drugstore from the Lipscomb’s.

 

1989 – The Iron Bowl comes to Auburn for the first time. The Auburn win celebration resulted in the trees along Magnolia & College being blanketed in toilet paper. In the early 1990′s, the power lines moved underground, toilet paper now isolated to the oaks. In 1992, Toomer’s sold to William (Billy) Beasley after Morgan’s death. In 1999, Don & Betty Haisten purchased Toomer’s. In 2001, Esquire Magazine put Toomer’s lemonade in the number 1 spot of “162 Reasons it’s Good to be an American” (Picture-Curry and Pat Dye before First Iron Bowl in Auburn 1989.)

2002 – The Toomer’s oaks project begins at Auburn – acorns from the oaks are collected and nurtured for use around campus.


2011 – Auburn Tigers become National Champions.

 

February 16, 2011 – The announcement is made that Toomer’s oaks were poisoned with a lethal dose of Spike 80DF – 65 times the amount necessary to kill them by an Alabama fan.

February 19, 2011 – Hundreds gathered at Toomer’s Corner to show their support for the Oaks.

The Toomer’s Corner Oaks were pruned significantly for safety reasons, based on advice from Auburn University’s Tree Preservation Committee.

November 18, 2012. 3:00 AM – A game day tradition at Auburn ended early due to a fire on Saturday. Tiger fans Roll “Toomer’s Corner” after a home game win, but some time during Saturday’s celebration, someone set fire to the toilet paper hanging in the trees. The fire was small and it was out in a matter of minutes.

I got my last visit with the Toomer’s Oaks on April 17, 2013. I felt as if I had come to know them, from my many visits over this past year. It was as if they were my ailing friend. Leaving them was very hard for me, knowing that I would never see them again.

I could not bring myself to be there, when the oaks were cut down on April 23, 2013, but I did go the next day to get you a picture of the famed, sacred corner. The trees were cut down with care and the wood was saved to be carved into souvenirs that will be sold to raise money for scholarships for future Auburn students.

As I put this board together of the history of the Toomer’s Corner Oaks, it was as if I were there, in each year. I felt the joy of a growing town, the victory of winning the first Iron Bowl held in Auburn, the excitement of rolling the trees and watching a huge tradition being born, right in front of me. Then all of my happiness turned to deep sadness, all too quickly, over the poisoning of the beloved oaks. There is another tradition in Auburn that can never be killed. That is called BELIEF.

Video Footage from ESPN “A Tradition Ends”

The story continues:

5-30-2013:
Toomer's Corner in Auburn will soon have a new look.  The city has hired a firm from Atlanta (wish we could have kept this money in Alabama!) to refresh the area now that the oak trees are gone.  The intersection will be re-done with brick pavers or stamped concrete and have huge stone arches ( kinda reminds me of UGA).  The plan also involves two new oak trees that would be ready to roll in about three years. I am glad that the next chapter of the Auburn tradition is getting underway! WAR EAGLE.

5-31-2013:
 The Lee County District Attorney’s Office is asking Harvey Updyke Jr. be ordered to pay approximately $1 million in restitution for the poisoning of the Toomer's Oaks. $1 million dollars for all that has gone into trying to save the  Oaks, removing them and now the face lift of the Toomer's Corner...Sounds about right, BUT who has that kind of money laying around? There is the old saying, "You can't get blood from a turnip". I am disappointed that part of his punishment wasn't working with a reforestation project. Spending months replanting seedlings after a clear cut would give him plenty of time to think about what he has done.

Steve Kynard: Loving Life as an Outdoorsman

Steve Kynard, during a camping trip with Janet Kynard, on an
island near the Lake Martin Dam

 

Since I am now an official contributor of the It Happens in Alabama website with videos and articles, Janet thought I should introduce myself and tell you a bit about me. I was born in Selma, Alabama a little over 60 years ago and, with the exception of a couple of years when I was a toddler, I’ve lived in Alabama all my life. 

 

Since I was old enough to follow my Dad and Grandfather around I have hunted and fished. They taught me safety and how to do many things at a very young age. My grandfather gave me a double barrel 20 gauge shotgun when I was 8 years old. Even at that young age, I used to fill my pockets with shells and with my Grandfathers dog, Boy, go hunting and stay gone most of the day all by myself. 

 

Before some of you freak out at my last sentence, things were very different in those days. Kids were brought up differently.  Sure there were a few Saturday morning cartoons on the old black and white TV but video games and such had not been invented.

Hunting and fishing was what I looked forward to when I wasn't in school. I would go hunting and come home with what squirrels, rabbits and other small wild critters that were unfortunate enough to cross paths with me and Boy. I spent many days fishing by myself, too, when I couldn't get someone to go with me. Sometimes I would come home with more bream and bass than I cared to carry the 1/4 mile back from the old pond that was close to the house. 

Later on, as an adult, I got into tournament bass fishing. Had a great time for about 17 years until the fire went out. I was Angler of the Year in 1996 with Capital City BassMasters. Now, I fish for pure enjoyment and when we do good, I put several bags of fillets in the freezer to feed our friends and family a fish fry whenever we choose. 

I hunt because I enjoy it and the deer meat is a large part of our diet. We only eat pork about once a week, chicken once a week and beef, maybe twice a month. My hunting, these days, is just for deer and hogs. My best buck, a big 10 point is hanging on the wall in our game room. A big wild boar is something that I still haven't had the chance to bring home but hope to remedy that situation sometime soon.

 

My best bass is a guestimated 8 pounds. I have a 7 lb 5 oz on the wall and this one was larger. Heck, it was my bass. I could have called her 9 or 10 if I wanted too, Ha, Haaa.
The only bass we bring home these days are the 1 lb to 2 lb size and any legal crappie and/or catfish that want to follow. All are good fish fry worthy.  

I'll close by saying that at this point of my life it doesn't get much better than a good campsite with family or friends, a campfire going and some fresh caught fish in the hot oil or some deer tenderloins on the grill. You can kick back and just enjoy what nature has to offer. 

I hope you’ll keep checking back to It Happens in Alabama and catch my articles and videos under the Hunting, Fishing and Camping tabs.

Steve Kynard, Co-Editor

Steve@Ithappensinalabama.com

Major Jobs and Careers Available in Alabama

Alabama has just announced two huge contracts that will bring hundreds of new jobs to our state. European jet manufacturer, Airbus, will build a $600 million facility in Mobile, AL and Commercial Jet, from Miami, will invest $12 million to open a new facility in Dothan, AL. As a spin off from this there will also be $2.5 million Aviation Training Center in Fairhope, AL to train workers. This will open up thousands of new jobs in Alabama, from the construction phase to staffing the facilities.

 

This is very exciting for the growth of our state and the growth of opportunities for our citizens. Think of the larger picture. More money and people in an area means more money to spend in the local economy from the convenient store to restaurants, from florists to housing.

 

It sounds like this great job opportunity is so far in the future, right? Well, not so much. . I have been doing some research and have great news.  There are OPEN JOBS ALL OVER ALABAMA RIGHT NOW!!!! Here are your links to apply for a position in Alabama’s new Aviation Industry: http://www.commercialjet.com/employment.html  and http://www.aidt.edu/jobs 

 

Benefits include: Benefits Summary: • Medical insurance program • Dental insurance program • Prescription drug program • 401K tax-saver program • Flexible work schedule • Company Paid Life Insurance • Long Term Disability Insurance • Paid holidays • Paid vacations • Paid sick leave • License premiums • Refer a friend for $$$ • Direct deposit available.

 

Here are some of the areas where work is available: Clanton, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Gadsden, Selma, Bridgeport, Tanner, Dothan, Cherokee, Sunny South and Montgomery.

 

Check the site for more areas. One important note to make: Some of the windows close on accepting application in May, others run through the end of the year. You’ll just have to take a look at the list. This is a site that you will want to bookmark and check regularly as some positions only have a 30 day window to get your application in.

 

The positions run the full gamut. They need everything from pipe fitters to accountants, from maintenance workers to translators, administrative assistants, store clerks, HR, and avionic supervisors.    

 

I hope I have been of help to you or someone you know. With the high unemployment we have had for the past several years, please share this with all your friends. They may not be the one looking but may have a friend or family member that is looking.  

Hear the sound of the Whippoorwill

By: Janet Kynard,  It Happens in Alabama, janet@ItHappensinAlabama.com  

I have found a wonderful Alabama hidden gem that is in the process of making a big name for itself.  Whippoorwill Vineyards, located in Notasulga, Alabama is a family owned and operated vineyard where every part of the operation is done by hand; from harvesting, bottling, corking and sealing, to putting the bottle in the box. The southern hospitality is second to none. I spent two and a half hours with Amy Ledbetter, one of the owners and enjoyed every second.

 

Whippoorwill is the only vineyard in southeastern Alabama and is very easy to get to. It’s just 40 minutes from Montgomery and 20 minutes from Auburn. While I was there, a couple from Texas called for directions, which were passing through our state and there were visits from several locals. My favorite visitor had to be the guy that knew nothing about wine but wanted to do something nice for his wife who is a stay at home mom. For you guys out there, this is a great place to send your wife for a ladies day out. In addition to the great wines, they also sell local cheeses. One they make themselves that is loaded with wonderful flavors and a goat cheese that is made just up the road, in addition to jewelry, displays for your wine bottles and other unique items. The lady from Texas bought a cute wire high heeled shoe as a gift for a friend back home to display her wine.

 

I am a dry red wine drinker and their line of red wine is wonderful. I really enjoyed the fact that each has a distinct flavor. They are not just a shade off of the one before, but a real difference that makes each one very memorable. I went with the Cynthiana made from a red bunch grape, also known as the” Cabernet of the South”. It is dry, without being too dry, and has a wonderful fruity flavor. For my husband, Steve, I bought the Confederate Rose which is sweet and made from the red muscadine, and the bronze scuppernong. The flavor of this one reminds me of picking scuppernongs off my sister’s vines on a warm summer day. During the harvesting season, you can even pick your own fruit for $1.00 per pound. 

There is still more to the Whippoorwill’ story. Whippoorwill is under a new pilot program with the Alabama state-owned liquor stores (ABC). ABC stores normally do not sell wine. You do have some new Skinny Girl wines that are owned by the Beam Company that are making their way to some shelves. Alabama has a three-tiered system required for alcoholic beverages – manufacturer – state - seller. Our local wineries have only been able to sell their wine to people who visit the wineries and most do not generate enough volume for a distributor to work with them. There is a bill in the Legislature that would allow the vineyards to self-distribute, but Mac Gibson, administrator with the ABC Board, is against this, saying that it protects the consumer. Under this pilot program Whippoorwill Vineyards is the only winery selling their products through ABC at 15 liquor stores, temporarily, as a way to build demand for their wines. In my opinion, if we can see this as a successful program and build that demand, it will open up a new line of distribution for other wineries in our state. 

 

I’ll keep an eye on the progress of this program for you and keep you up to date. In the mean time, click this link for a list of the ABC stores that are selling the wine or better yet, go on down and see Amy, Vicky, Chad and Tim for your very own wine and cheese tasting. It is well worth the trip.

 

 

Alan Butler - Musical KADA - 16th Annual RYU KEN Classic.avi

Alan Butler did a great job in his Musical KADA at the 16th Annual RYU KEN Classic. His tricks are amazing.

Blaise Koda - Musical KADA - 16th Annual RYU KEN Classic

I love this Musical Kada performed by Blaise Koda at the RYU KEN Classic. I keep watching it over and over, just can't get enough. There is no question what Blaise stands for! Great Job, little buddy!

Danielle Hagan - Musical KADA - 16th Annual RYU KEN Classic, Montgomery,...

Daneille Hagan's Musical Kada is uploaded! This girl is tough. You boys better not cross her! Hey Dad, you won't need that shotgun, after all!

What's Been Going on in Alabama?

Check out the new Photos and Videos that have been posted to It Happens in Alabama.  Photos

Making and Testing Wax Slugs

By: Steve Kynard It Happens in Alabama, Edited: Janet Kynard janet@ithappensinalabama.com

As I mentioned in the previous video “How to Make Your Gun more Versatile” about shotgun adapters and chamber inserts, this next video is about wax slugs and how to make them. We will even test them, in the video, for you.
I didn’t invent these but found them on Youtube and immediately knew I had to make some and see for myself if they were as strong as people were claiming. I followed the instructions I saw and just made some minor changes that seemed would work better for me. One big change was using just enough melted wax to cover the shot in your metal cup or bowl.
The hardest part was carefully cutting the rim off of the shotgun shell to expose the birdshot. I wanted to leave as much of the sides of the shell, as possible, and not make a slip and cut my thumb in the process. All the while I’m cutting the shells my metal cup is on a low heat, just enough to melt the candle wax. About 2/3 of the way through the cut, I’ll dump my shot into the melted wax before finishing the cut and discarding the end. I’ll repeat this process until I’ve done as many as I want in this session.

I then take a spoon and dip the wax covered shot back into the shell only filling to within 1/8 inch from the top. I fill the last 1/8^th inch with just wax, so I will have a smooth end.

With a break action single shot or double barrel shotgun the ends of the slug aren’t important. A semi auto or pump action with a tube magazine is another story. If one of the shot is poking through the wax and pushes just right on the shell in front of it, that shell could go off in your magazine. A nice smooth end eliminates that problem. Let the freshly made slugs sit until the wax is nice and cool then you’re ready to test them out.
Be sure to know the laws in your state. In some states it is legal to make these and to have them but illegal to hunt with them.
The next video we’re going to do for you is preventive maintenance on your pocket knife. A lot of folks carry a knife. I know that it’s a tool I use every day. If Janet ever asks me “Have you got your knife?” my answer is “If I’ve got my britches on then I have my knife.” In carrying one every day, I have run into some unusual problems and have had to come up with solutions. The next video will help all of you avoid these problems.

Humming along a Zipline

by: Janet Kynard, Founder/President It Happens in Alabama, janet@ithappensinalabama.com

 Have you ever imagined flying above white sand dunes or over water? You will your chance at Gulf Shores State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Gulf Shores State Park consists of 6,150 acres and has two miles of sugar white beaches, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful seashells, camping, golf and fishing and more. Now they are adding the new Hummingbird Ziplines at Gulf Adventure Center, slated to open March 9, 2013. There will be six zipline towers; four of the six will go over water. The last one is almost entirely over Lake Shelby.

The course will take you approximately 2.5 hours to complete and cost $79 per person ($87 with tax). The groups will be limited to 12 people per hour. If you know the exact time you would like to begin, your best bet is to book online. If this is not enough exercise for you, then consider renting a kayak or paddle board. The kayaks run $8 to $9 per hour and the paddle boards run $17 to $19 per hour. The more hours you book, the bigger the discount. Be sure to take a picnic lunch and enjoy the view, while resting and watching other flyers. I am very excited about this and am looking forward to my adventure this spring. I hope to see you there!

Making Your Gun Versatile

By: Steve Kynard  

It's been a number of years, since I hunted anything with a shotgun because 99.9% of my hunting is for deer and hogs. For this I use my rifle and/or one of my 45 Long Colt pistols. Last year, while piddling on the computer, I started seeing more and more things about shotgun adapters. Adapters change the gauge or caliber of a gun. There were some nice videos on the Short Lane website. Dave Canterberry was testing adapters and talking about how versatile a 12 gauge single shot was. I've owned 20 gauge shotguns, since I was a kid and still have the guns and a pile of shells, but watching the videos and checking reviews, I was hooked on the idea, so I bought a new 12 gauge Pardner.

The first adapter I bought allowed me to shoot 20 gauge shells in my 12 gauge. It worked great and shot a good pattern. I bought the rifled 22 Pathfinder adapter next. I noticed the front sight on the Pardner was hard to see, so at the same time, I put one of the fiber optic snap on sights on it. This made a world of difference! After some load testing, I saw that the adapter liked the plain jane Federal bulk rounds instead of the hyper velocity. Soon I was tearing up cans out to around 50 yards.

Next, because of me being a big fan of the 45 LC, I bought the rifled Pathfinder version in a 45 caliber. I did a lot of load testing with it yesterday morning and found the load it liked and just how it needed to sit in the shotgun. Again, cans out to 50 yards or so were in a lot of trouble. I wouldn't hesitate to hunt deer or hogs with this rig, in thick areas, where my shots were 50 yards or closer.

The only other adapter I want is a rifled 38/357. Short Lane doesn't make one as of yet and the other companies that do, are really proud of them. The non rifled version had some great reviews so I just ordered one of those for some close range plinking.

Some folks don't care for the adapters and that's ok. I think it's a cool way of making one gun very versatile.

Case in point, another set of adapters I bought comes in a set of six and allows you to shoot 22's in a gun chambered for the 45 Long Colt. They have polygonal rifling and out to a distance of 8 - 10 yards are pretty accurate. Now the accuracy can't hang with my Ruger Single Six but using them in my 45 LC Vaquero is a hoot and will give the big gun feel without having a big reloading session at the end of the day. These came from The Sportsmans Guide.

In my way of thinking, one thing that does one thing well is good, one thing that does multiple things well is even better. It’s like owning multiple guns for a fraction of the price. (Watch our video for more information.)

 

 

Alabama's #1 Redneck

by: Janet Kynard, Founder/President It Happens in Alabama

janet@ithappensinalabama.com, http://facebook.com/IHIA2012, http://ithappensinalabama.com/blog

 

Wade Jones, 42 years old, of Ourtown, Alabama is not just the winner of $100,000 and the Winner of Redneck Island a CMT reality show, but a true representation of an Alabama redneck. While some people may take offense to being called a redneck and some may use the word redneck as an insult to others. My view and the view of many southern girls, of a redneck is a hard worker who takes care of their family and is a best friend to many. A redneck is there for you when times are bad and you didn’t even have to ask. A redneck is there when times are good and usually they were part of making those times more memorable and story worthy. So in my eyes, yes, Wade Jones is a true redneck.

I came to know more about Wade, when telling my husband, Steve, (Kynard….Not Steve Austin, Ha, Ha) about the new season of Redneck Island. You see, I have to keep him up to date on these type shows because he never watches them. While telling him of the first episode, he stopped me and asked about a contestant named Wade. Oh yes, he is one of my favorites and he is from Alabama, I told him. That’s when he let me know that Wade was one of his customers and just that day had found out that he was on the show. I pulled so hard for Wade the whole season, not just because he is a fellow Alabamian, or that my husband knew him, but because of his personality and character.  

I called and spoke with Wade, before the show had ended. It was one of those conversations that was as if I had picked up the phone and called and old friend. We talked about hunting, his growing up and his love of music and a little about the show. 

After the show was over, I went up to OurTown which is a crook in the road on Hwy 63, just north of Kowliga and met with Wade at OurTown Grocery. I could tell Wade loves his job there and cared about all the customers that came in, most of whom he knew by name. On this particular day, the new Lake Martin Living magazine had just arrived with Wade’s picture on the cover. The title was Ourtown’s $100,000 Redneck! Of course I got my copy and he even signed it for me! 

 We talked for over an hour and again, it was as if I had known him forever. Hollywood has not changed our redneck. The story of how he came to apply for the show was quite interesting. One night he was sat down to watch TV with his daughter, Hope and girlfriend Jan who he calls “My Beautiful Queen”. They were watching Redneck Island on CMT. Wade will admit real quickly that he is not a reality show watcher and does not watch CMT because he likes Southern Rock and Old Country. He told the two of them that he thought he should be on the show because he was a better redneck than any of them. I love Jan’s comment “you’re not going on that show and embarrass us!” Well, after they went to bed, Wade who admits he barely knows more than how to cut on a computer fumbled around and found the website and as a joke, applied. You see, Wade is one of those guy’s that if you tell him he can’t, he’ll show you just where he can.

In about a week, he got a call. He had to fill out a 50 page application and release forms, send in a home video and Skype an interview. He made it to the final 25 in LA and was in better shape than people in their 20’s and 30’s who got sent home because they couldn’t pass the physical. He credits his health to walking 5 miles a day, in the woods during deer hunting season. Humm, I’m thinking I need to try some of that woods walking! 

The group of 14 contestants left straight from LA to Mexico where he spent 25 days competing in challenges against the other contestants, 5 of which were also from Alabama. I played armchair redneck through out the season trying to call the best eliminations. The final 5 went down in the order I had called. I asked Wade how he was able to keep such a clear vision and not get caught up in the fishbowl. He told me that he and Justin Campbell, from RaglandAl, who was his best friend on the show and came in 2nd, kept each other straight and on course. He told me the secret was not being the strongest, the weakest or most annoying. He said “you want to fly under the radar line but not so far that your belly drags the ground.” 

Wade is not looking for a TV deal or anything after his commitment for appearances with CMT which will end around September, 2013. He loves his life as it is.   

Congratulations to Wade on winning and having the opportunity for such a great experience and congratulations to all who know him, you have got one of the best Rednecks on your side.

Wade Jones and Janet Kynard

 

USYKA goes Hunting and makes a Stand!

By: Brock Lacy and Steve Kynard/Pictures by: Brock Lacy

Edited by: Janet Kynard janet@ithappensinalabama.com http://facebook.com/IHIA2012, http://ithappensinalabama.com/hunting-fishing

 

(Brock Lacy)

Here is the question for you...Can U.S. Yoshukai Karate training help you while hunting whitetail deer?
 

     Well it was a warm...no scratch that...Hot weekend for hunting deer at 76 deg. on Jan. 12, 2013 but diehard hunters go anyway! So my good friend and hunting buddy Steve Kynard and I took another friend, who also is my karate instructor, Soshu David Koda, US Director of USYKA in Montgomery Alabama, deer hunting for a chance at his first whitetail. 

     The morning of the 12th we met up at the camp around 5:45 am in Highland Home Al. While sipping coffee, we talked out the plans for the morning hunt. We decide to put Sensei, which is “teacher” in Japanese, in a stand we call “The Pizza Hut” (when you see the picture you’ll understand why) because it had produced deer earlier in the season and we had good trailcam pictures of recent activity.

      After about 3 1/2 hours and no deer activity we decide to head back to camp, grab a bite to eat and make some plans to do some man drives. Steve and I talked, scratched some plans in the dirt while explaining to Sensei what we were going to do. We all put on our hunters safety orange, grabbed the guns and headed out again in search of the big buck!  With me as the driver/walker and Steve and Sensei being the standers/shooters, I push through several hundred yards of tall pines, scrub oaks and some of the biggest saw briars in Crenshaw County. As luck would have it, not a single deer wanted join the hunt. While heading back to camp, to re-hydrate from the nice warm walk through the woods, I was wishing I could have worn shorts! Knowing of the "Saber tooth gotcha vines" or as my dad would have called them a "wait uh minute bush", that was not an option. If anyone has ever met one of these, you know what I am talking about! It will stop you in your tracks and it takes a minute to get all the stickers off of you, so you can find the next one you won't see!

     Back at camp, cooling off and taking a break, mind you we have been on foot through all of these hunts, no ATV's or vehicles, I contacted a friend of mine who lives down the road a couple of miles. He has several hundred acres that he manages and I arranged the afternoon hunt.   

     We meet up around 2 pm and talk for a few minutes, before he took everyone to their stands. I went along with Sensei, on this hunt, just feeling good about the chance of having to recover a deer that evening. We were in the stand and settled in by 3 pm.  

     About 45 minutes had passed and we stood to stretch our legs. The stool, Sensei was sitting on, made too loud of a noise to allow deer to get close, so he decided he needed to stand instead. I mentioned we might be there a while, but he responded "I will be okay". Looking out the back window of the stand Sensei whispered "Don't move". Which means - Oh boy we got deer, to me! Apparently, while whispering and stretching our legs, a small buck came out of the wood line behind us, walked right by the base of the ladder to the stand, walked around it and jumped into the edge of the woods, to the right of the front of the stand. This stand is a 4x8 shooting house, roughly 8 feet above the ground. So, the little buck steps out of the wood line, a couple of minutes later, at 4:15 pm. Sensei is standing there with the forearm of the rifle resting on the window seal, while holding the stock, his feet further than shoulder width apart and his knees bent, so he could look out the scope and not be seen moving too much, being the window was too high to drop to one knee.

     Another small buck makes his way to the edge of the food plot and joins the first one at 30 yards away. By the way, I forgot to tell you that the window was oversized and we were standing directly in front of it, from stretching our legs and not wanting to squeak chairs. There was not a drop of wind blowing. Thirty five minutes had passed and Sensei had hardly moved, except for his left hand and a foot ever so slightly. As I slowly reached for my small binoculars, I noticed the stance Sensei was standing in. He was in what all USYKA members refer to as “Shikodachi” also referred to as a "straddle stance".

     Crunch...Crunch...another one steps out! This one was bigger than the first two, but we notice that it was a small buck, with about 3 inch spikes. Sensei and I had eyes peeled and worried about the other six eyes looking back at us. Suddenly, another snap and a crunch and out steps a larger deer. I was looking to make sure it wasn’t a spike buck and Sensei asked me “What is it?” I told him "It’s a large doe". By now, it’s been 45 minutes since the first deer came out and we were watching our daylight fade to darkness. Sensei asked "Should I shoot it?" I replied whispering "We are losing light fast and if you want a shot at your first whitetail, you best take it. She is a big doe." So he settles lower in his stance, snugs the rifle into his shoulder and wouldn't you know it, one of the smaller deer walks between us and the large doe! "Sensei, wait until she is by herself so we don't injure one of the small bucks" I said softly, crossing my fingers it wouldn't get dark on us too fast. 

     Finally she got partially clear and I told Sensei "Take the shot she is clear." Sensei settled in again and then she turns walking away. Finally, she turned back broadside - "BOOM!" Sensei drops the hammer! The deer did the all famous high kick and bolted into the edge of the woods, ran back out and around the corner of the field and out of site. Sensei asked "Did I get her?" I replied "Yes sir, you got her." We high fived and he said "Now what?'' I said "Let’s go get her!"

     Steve showed up, after a few minutes and helped us track the deer. We found her about 65-70 yards away and from that moment Steve and I knew the feelings Sensei was having. All of us whitetail hunters have had that feeling, when we got our first deer. But one thing I will never forget is this:  I… Brock Lacy… stood in that stand, on that afternoon, and watched Soshu David Koda, stand patiently, with his feet spread apart and his head lowered 6-8 inches, by bending his knees, while holding the majority of the weight of the back end of the rifle, for 50 minutes and not move Nothing, but slowly changing his hand and ankle positions, after a long day of hunting and walking. That was a Shikodachi stance I won’t forget.

So, yes! US Yoshukai can make you a better hunter and there is no limit as to what all it can help anyone accomplish. 

(Steve Kynard)

      It is customary when a hunter takes their first deer that someone takes some of the blood of that deer and puts it on the shooter’s face. Some of the “Putters” like to put a lot of blood on the hunter and some will just put a symbolic mark or dab.  

     A group of the hunters, who were hunting this area with us, said that they were going to blood up David’s face really good. In a very calm voice, David replied “I know a 7^th degree Black Belt that says that ain’t gonna happen.” I’m still laughing!

     Later on, back at our camp, when we were about to dress out the deer, David told me that since it was tradition, I could put blood on him. I know how tradition plays a huge part in the martial arts and this has been a long time hunter’s tradition.  I was honored he asked me to do it. I knew he trusted me enough to know that I would not paint his whole face, but just add a little “Indian War Paint”. I did the 2 finger dab on each check. After we had cleaned the deer, I offered to get him some water to wash up and David said, “Hell No. I’m wearing this home!”

 

David Koda, Owner of Us yoshukai Karate, Montgomery, Alabama

 

National Football Champions Flock to Montgomey, AL

The inaugural Raycom College Football All-Star Classic will a have a championship when the teams take the field at the Cramton Bowl on Saturday. The Stripes Team, coached by nine-time Super Bowl participant Dan Reeves, will dress six players who won a national championship in college this season.
Alabama (14-1) defeated Notre Dame 42-14 for the BCS National Championship on Jan. 7. The Crimson Tide has won three national titles in the last four years, including back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012.
The Crimson Tide will dress four players for Saturday’s game, including defensive end Quinton Dial, tight end Kelly Johnson, kicker Jeremy Shelley and snapper Carson Tinker.
“It’s really hasn’t sunk in yet,” Shelley said of the Tide’s third national title in four years. “I know we won, but it’s just unreal to win three. It is a great feeling.”
Shelley and Tinker are among nine UA seniors who have won a school record three national titles.
“It means we have a lot of guys that know how to win,” Tinker said. “It has not sunk in yet. It’s not a dream; we put too much hard work into this to know it’s not a dream. It’s real. We earned it.”
Valdosta State captured the Division II National Championship with a win 35-7 win over Winston-Salem State in Florence, Ala., on Dec. 15. It was the school’s third national championship, all since the 2004 season.
VSU offensive lineman Ryan Schraeder is excited about the opportunity to play with the Alabama players. “There are a lot of good players,” It’s cool to play with the big dogs and the national champions and you realize real quick that you fit in with everybody.”
Schraeder also said he and the Crimson Tide players have talked about what their rings will look like.
“I had a chance to visit with (Shelley),” he added. “The Alabama guys are all laid back and we have talked about how big the rings are going to be and how much they will shine.”
On Saturday, all six national champions hope to shine one last time on the college football stage.
This has been a very exciting week at the Raycom All-Stars! Fan Fest was a very big success on Friday. Thanks Raycom Media team.

Raycom College Football All-Star Coaching Line-Up

Coaching line-up for the Stars and the Stripes.
RaycomCollege Football ALL-Star Game
January 19, 2013, 2:00 PM Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, AL
The game will be televised on the CBS Network. And will feature 100 of the Nations top Senior Athletes. Follow updates on http://ithappensinalabama.com/news and http://facebook.com/IHIA2012

ItHappensinAlabama‘s insight:

STARS HEAD COACH JIM BATES:
An outstanding defensive coach, Bates’ defensive scheme uses the defensive tackles to plug the middle, with the defensive ends pressuring the quarterback. Special emphasis is on the linebackers, as short, speedy LB’s are especially fitted for this format. Linebacker Zach Thomas and defensive end Jason Taylor are among the players Bates developed inMiami. Bates is well liked among players for being a fiery, energetic, demanding, yet fair and hands-on coach. He spent 17 years in the NFL withCleveland,Atlanta,Dallas,Miami,Green Bay,DenverandTampaBay. He was the interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2004. Bates began his NFL coaching career with the Cleveland Browns as defensive line coach in 1991. He then moved on to the Atlanta Falcons to serve as defensive coordinator in 1994, his first time at this position. It would only last one year, however, and Bates returned to the Browns to coach their secondary in 1995. In 1996, Bates was hired by the Dallas Cowboys as linebacker coach and was promoted to assistant coach/defensive line in 1998. In 2000, the Miami Dolphins tabbed Bates as defensive coordinator. Under Bates, the Dolphins defense finished no lower than 10th in the NFL in yards allowed from 2000-04. His first head coaching job in the NFL came in 2004 when he was named interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins following the resignation of Dave Wannstedt. He went 3-4 (including a Monday Night victory over the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots). He finished his NFL career with the Denver Broncos (2007) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009).

Before embarking on his highly successful NFL career, Bates was an assistant coach atTennessee,Southern Mississippi,Villanova,KansasState,West Virginia, Texas Tech andFlorida. He was the defensive coordinator on Steve Spurrier’s firstFloridafootball team that won theSECChampionship.

Both of his sons are involved in football. Jeremy was once the Offensive Coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. James played linebacker at Floridaand was on the Gators 1996 National Championship team. James is currently a play-by-play announcer for the CBS Sports Network.

STARS ASSISTANT COACHING STAFF

Neil Callaway – Offensive Line Coach:
A long-time college assistant coach and head coach, Neil Callaway will serve as offensive line coach for the Stars squad at this year’s Raycom College All-Star Classic … He played for the University of Alabama from 1974-77, where he was a part of three Southeastern Conference Championship teams in 1974, 1975 and 1977 … After a standout playing career for legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, Callaway spent time as an assistant coach at East Carolina, Wyoming, Auburn, Houston, Alabama and Georgia … He began his coaching career on Pat Dye’s staff at East Carolina (1979) and then followed Dye to Wyoming (1980) for one season … He then joined Dye’s staff at Auburn (1981-92) and helped the Tigers to one of the most successful 10-year periods in school history … In his 12 years on The Plains, Auburn won or shared fourSECChampionships, including three in-a-row from 1987-89 … He coached four All-American offensive linemen … He won a Conference USA title at Houston and threeSECChampionships at Alabama (1999) and Georgia while serving as offensive coordinator … He recently served as head coach at UAB.

Steve Crosby – Running Backs/Special Teams:
Steve Crosby, who retired as a player with the New York Giants after a serious knee injury, began his career as a scout with the Miami Dolphins before accepting a coaching position under the legendary Don Shula … The Dolphins went to Super Bowl XVII in 1982 … Crosby went on to have stints with Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles … In 1985 with the Browns, Crosby was the running backs coach that oversaw both Earnest Byner and Kevin Mack both gain 1,000 yards … Crosby joined the Chargers in 2002 as special teams coach under their new incoming head coach, Marty Schottenheimer … Crosby was honored as the 2007 NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year by Professional Kicking Services … His kickoff strategy with the Chargers emphasized placement of the ball—forcing the return team to one side of the field—as a tradeoff for the distance of the kick. During his Chargers tenure, four special team players were selected to the Pro Bowl including cover man Kassim Osgood (3-time selection) and Hanik Milligan, kicker Nate Kaeding (2-times) and long snapper David Binn … Kaeding, who started his NFL career under Crosby, was the NFL’s most accurate kicker of all-time as of the end of the 2010 season, converting 86.5 percent of his field goals attempts … Crosby played collegiately for Fort Hayes, where he was an AP Little All-American in 1973.

Kevin Garver – Offensive Assistant:
Garver just completed his sixth season on the University of Alabama football staff … He works closely with the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator and staff … He spent three seasons as a student assistant coach and two seasons as a graduate assistant coach … Last year, he worked as an offensive analyst … Alabama ranked second in the SECand 12th among FBS teams in scoring (38.71) this season … The Crimson Tide ranked fourth in the league and 16th nationally in rushing (227.50) and fourth in the SEC and 31st nationally in total offense (445.50) … Garver has been a part of threeBCS National Championship Teams at Alabama, including 2009, 2011 and 2012.

Charlie Jackson- Defensive Backs:
Charlie Jackson began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant at UCLA (2002–2003) … In 2004 he coached the defensive backs coach and was recruiting coordinator at his alma mater, Air Force and in 2005 was a defensive assistant and in charge quality control for Green Bay … In 2006, he was named defensive coordinator at the University at Buffalo … At 29 years of age at the time, he was one of the youngest coordinators in Division I football …. He was later named special assistant to the head coach atUtahState…Jacksoncoached inDenverfrom 2007-08 and spent four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. .

Joe Kines – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers:
Joe Kines coaching career spans from 1976-2009, spending much of his career as an assistant coach. His career began in at his alma mater Jacksonville State in 1976 (defensive coordinator) followed stints at Clemson University (1977-79; linebackers), Florida (1979-1981; LBs/DC), Alabama (1985-86/DC/ILB), Tampa Bay (1987-1990, LBs), Arkansas (1993-94,AHC/DC), Georgia (1994-98; DC), Florida State (2000-2002; LB), Alabama (2003-2006; DC), before for his final job at Texas A&M (2008-2009; DC). Kines served as interim head atArkansasin 1992 andAlabamain the 2006 Independence Bowl.

Ed King – Offensive Line:
Ed King has been the offensive and defensive line coach and a computer instructor forGlenwoodHigh SchoolinColumbus,Ga., since 2010. He is also the line. During his time inColumbus, King was an assistant coach for two seasons for the Columbus Lions of the PIFL, mostly directing the clubs offensive and defensive lines. He coached the offensive line and taught Algebra Central Phenix City from 2008-2009. King played both collegiately and professionally with the Auburn Tigers and Cleveland Browns, respectively. Following his playing career, the Phenix City, Ala., native a realtor for Shephard Brokers from 2006-2007. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management fromAuburnin 1991.

John Levra – Defensive Line:
John Levra coached 44 years that included seven years in high school, 14 years at the college level, and his last 23 years in the pros, one year in the Canadian Football League and the rest in the National Football League. The Arma, Kan., native started in the NFL as running backs coach under Burn Phillips in New Orleans where he spent five seasons. He was defensive line coach with the Chicago Bears and Mike Ditka for seven seasons, capping the 1988 season by coaching in the Pro Bowl. He was offensive line coach for the 1993 and 1994 seasons with the Denver Broncos, again under Phillips. Levra was defensive line coach under Denny Green inMinnesotafor three seasons, and coached the Buffalo Bills defensive line under Wade Phillips from 1998 – 2000 season and coached under Greg Williams for 2001 and 2002, his final two seasons. He had the No. 1 defense in the NFL in 1999, and the No. 3 defense in the 2000 season.

Richard Mann – Wide Receivers:
A long time NFL assistant coach, Richard Mann will serve as the wide receivers coach for the Stars team at the inaugural Raycom College Football All-Star Classic … He has previously served as wide receivers coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-08), Washington Redskins (2001), Kansas City Chiefs (1999-2000), Baltimore Ravens (1997-98), New York Jets (1994-95), Cleveland Browns (1985-1993), Indianapolis Colts (1984) and the Baltimore Colts (1982-83) … He also spent eight years as a college assistant coach with the Louisville Cardinals (1980-81) and Arizona State Sun Devils (1974-79) … He played tight end and receiver for the Sun Devils from 1966-68 … He was inducted into the Beaver County (Penn.) Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

Russ Riederer – Strength and Conditioning Coach:
Riederer serves on the Advisory Board for the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic … He will also serve as the strength and conditioning coach for both teams at the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic … Riederer started his coaching career with stints at Kansas State and Purdue before making the jump to the NFL, briefly with the Green Bay Packers and then 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears … He played football at Kansas State.

STRIPES HEAD COACH DAN REEVES:
Dan Reeves will serve as head coach of the “Stripes” team in the inaugural RAYCOM College Football All-Star Game. Reeves participated in more Super Bowls than any other person in NFL history. As a player, assistant coach and head coach, Reeves has nine Super Bowls to his credit. He played in two Super Bowls (Super Bowl V and Super Bowl VI) and was also an assistant coach in three more (Super Bowl X, Super Bowl XII and Super Bowl XIII), and was head coach in four more Super Bowls with Denver (Super Bowl XXI, XXII and XXIV) and Atlanta (XXXIII). Reeves, a protégé of Tom Landry, became the youngest head coach in the NFL when he joined the Denver Broncos in 1981 as Vice President and Head Coach. After acquiring quarterback John Elway in a trade, Reeves guided the Broncos to six post-season appearances, five divisional titles, threeAFCchampionships and three Super Bowl appearances (Super Bowl XXI, XXII and XXIV) during his 12-year tenure. Reeves was fired after the 1992 season and replaced by his protégé and friend Wade Phillips.

He was the onlyAFCcoach in the decade of the 1980s to lead his team to consecutive Super Bowl berths and his Broncos appeared in the Super Bowl three times during a span of four years. He compiled a 190-165-2 record as NFL head coach. He also won four conference championships.

Reeves served as New York Giants head coach from 1993-1996. In his first season he led the Giants to an 11–5 record and a berth in the playoffs. Reeves’ 1993 season record is the best ever for a first-year Giants coach. Reeves was named the 1993 Associated Press Coach of the Year after helping the Giants improve from a 6-10 record in 1992. Reeves was fired again after the Giants went 5–11 in 1995 and 6–10 in 1996.

In 1997 Reeves was named the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. After going 7-9 his first season, Reeves tookAtlantato the greatest season in franchise history. The Falcons went 14–2 in 1998, going on to capture their first NFC championship. Reeves coached the Falcons to a 12–2 record before being hospitalized for the final two regular season games to undergo quadruple-bypass heart surgery in December. Reeves managed to return to the sidelines just three weeks later to lead the Falcons to victory in their first NFC Championship. Reeves’ Falcons were pitched against the Denver Broncos and lost Super Bowl XXXIII 34-19. In the process, Reeves earned the NFL’s top coaching awards as he was named the 1998 NFL Coach of the Year.

Reeves played with the Dallas Cowboys from 1965-72. He totaled almost 4,000 yards rushing and receiving and scored 42 TDs inDallas. He also played quarterback atSouth Carolinafrom 1962-64.

STRIPES ASSISTANT COACHING STAFF

Steve Atwater – Defensive Backs:
Steve Atwater spent most of his career playing free safety for the Denver Broncos from 1989-1998 before playing his final season for the New York Jets in 1999 … Named to the NFL’s initial list of Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates earlier this month … Atwater and Dennis Smith made up a Broncos secondary that was known for their ferocious hits on opposing players … He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and led Denver to wins in Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII … Atwater was a two-time First-Team All-Pro (1991 and 1992) and was selected to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

Steve Hagen – Tight Ends/ Running Backs:
Steve Hagen has coached seven seasons for the Cleveland Browns and his third as part of his second tour of duty with the club … Before re-joining the team in 2009 as tight ends coach, he was a member of the staff from 2001-04 … In his first stint with Cleveland, Hagen spent time as both the tight ends coach (2001-03) and quarterbacks coach (2004) … Prior to his work in the NFL, Hagen was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at California from 1999-2000 … He spent two seasons at San Jose State University as offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator (1997-98) … He previously served as the head coach at Wartburg (Iowa) College in 1996 … Hagen started as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois in 1984 and served in the same role at the University of Kansas (1985-86), before getting his first full-time position, as receivers and tight ends coach at Northern Arizona (1987-88) … He had stops at the University of Notre Dame (1989-90), Kent State University (1991), the University of Nevada-Reno (1992-93) and the University Nevada-Las Vegas (1990, 1994-95).

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson- Special Teams:
Billy “White Shoes” Johnson played 14 years in the National Football League and is known for being one of the first players to display elaborate celebrations in the end zone … Johnson earned his famous nickname while at Chichester High School in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, where he dyed his shoes as part of a dare … He played at Division IIIWidener College and was taken in the 15th round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers … A three-time Pro Bowl Selection and 1975 Pro Bowl MVP, White played in the NFL from 1974-88 … He amassed 6,258 kick return yards and eight touchdowns … He had 3,317 punt return yards and 2,941 kickoff return yards … He also caught 337 passes for 4,211 yards and 25 TDs … He spent the 1981 season with the Montreal Allouettes in the CFL … He had 1,060 receiving yards and five TDs in his lone season in the CFL … He played for the Houston Oilers (1974-80), Atlanta Falcons (1982-87) and Washington Redskins (1988).

Keenan McCardle – Wide Receivers:
Keenan McCardle was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and won two Super Bowl rings with the Redskins in 1991 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002 … He also played for the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Diego Chargers and Houston Texans … He coached the West squad wide receivers in the 2011 East-West Shrine Game, McCardle was hired by the Washington Redskins to coach their wide receivers, where coached from 2010-2011.

Pat Morris – Offensive Line:
Pat Morris has coached professionally for the Minnesota Vikings (2006-2010), San Francisco 49ers (1990-2003) Detroit Lions (2004-2005) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997-1998 and 2011), and at the college football level at the University of Southern California, Northern Arizona, the University of Minnesota, Michigan State and Stanford … Morris played collegiately at for USC.

Tom Olivadotti – Defensive Line:
Tom Olivadotti spent 40 years coaching football at the high school, college, and professional levels, the latter consisting of 21 years as a defensive coach for NFL teams such as the Cleveland Browns (1985–1986), the Miami Dolphins (1987–1995), the Minnesota Vikings (1996–1999), the New York Giants (2000–2003), and the Houston Texans (2004–2005) … His son, Kirk, is the inside linebackers coach at the University of Georgia.

Pat Perles – Offensive Line:
Pat Perles recently served as the assistant offensive line coach for the Kansas City Chiefs … He is the son of former Michigan State head coach George Perles … In 2010, the Chiefs led the NFL by averaging 154.2 rushing yards per game … It was just the second time the club had paced the league in rushing in team history … Running backs Thomas Jones (896) and Jamaal Charles (1,467) combined for 2,363 rushing yards in 2010, the fourth-highest total in NFL history by teammates with at least 500 yards each. Perles joined the Chiefs after nine seasons in the collegiate ranks … He also owns six years of experience in the Canadian Football League after beginning his pro coaching career with the L.A. Rams … He joined the Chiefs after spending six seasons at North Dakota State (2003-08) … He served as offensive coordinator during his final four campaigns … In 2008, Perles oversaw a North Dakota State offensive unit that averaged 29.9 points per game and 384.3 yards per game. Perles spent three seasons as the tight ends coach atMichiganState(2000-02) and also served as the club’s co-special teams coach in 2000. He was instrumental in the development of TE Chris Baker, who established school career records for tight ends in receptions (133), receiving yards (1,705) and touchdowns (13). The younger Perles served as a linebacker for the Spartans. He was a member of Spartans teams that played in the ’84 Cherry Bowl and the ’85 Hall of Fame Bowl.

Russ Riederer – Strength and Conditioning Coach:
Riederer serves on the Advisory Board for the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic … He will also serve as the strength and conditioning coach for both teams at the Raycom College Football All-Star Classic … Riederer started his coaching career with stints at Kansas State and Purdue before making the jump to the NFL, briefly with the Green Bay Packers and then 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears … He played football at Kansas State.

Chuck Smith – Defensive Line:
Chuck Smith is a former defensive line coach at Tennessee (2010-11) under Derek Dooley … While a player at Tennessee, Smith played in both the Sugar Bowl and Fiesta Bowl and earned MVP honors at the Senior Bowl … He was selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons … In eight seasons in Atlanta (1992-99), Smith established himself as an All-Pro defensive end and led the Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII … In 2000, Smith left Atlanta to join the Carolina Panthers, where he played one season. After football, Smith worked as a radio host with V103 inAtlantaand works as a personal trainer for other football players. OnFebruary 5, 2010, Smith accepted a position as defensive line coach at his alma mater, theUniversityofTennessee, leaving the Vols coaching staff in Feb., 2011.

Thanks Raycom Media team for the greatd report! Follow up tomorrow for a line up of the players. Follow on http://facebook.com/IHIA2012 for extra updates.

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