But I wanted to make a point on how many of us, as parents, manage to instill values, attitudes and choice within our children.......
Berry enjoys soccer, basketball
By Tommy Fleming
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Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Kaitlin Berry wins the 1600 meters on May 6 in the FAC Conference Championships at Walter R. Johnson Middle. She posted a winning time of 5:56.78.
Tommy Fleming (The News Herald)
MORGANTON - Kaitlin Berry was named the female student-athlete for the 2007-08 school year at Walter R. Johnson Middle School. The three-sport athlete participated in soccer (midfielder), basketball (guard) and track (100 meters, mile and relays).
Berry is a seventh-grade student at WJMS and is the daughter of Amanda and Jon Berry.
\"I enjoyed soccer and basketball the most this school year. Soccer is more physical and a little more low key,\" Berry said. \"Basketball keeps you on your toes where you get an adrenaline rush and you learn more hands-on. My coaches were awesome. Mrs. Norman held our basketball team together while she was experiencing a tough family situation of her own. She was always very encouraging.\"
The highlight of the season was getting a second chance in the girls soccer season. The Lady Jackets got an opportunity to redeem themselves and defeated Heritage in the first round of the tournament. The biggest disappointment of the year was dropping a 2-1 decision to East McDowell Jr. High in the soccer tourney semifinals.
Berry's goals for next season at WJMS are to help lead the Lady Jackets to conference titles in soccer, basketball and track.
Kaitlin won the Foothills Athletic Conference 1600 meters (mile run) on May 6 with a time of 5:56.78 in warm temperatures. She hopes to knock off the mile record set by former WJMS standout Julia Singley (5:46.70, 2006) next season.
Berry said that her role model is David Beckham because, \"he is an amazing soccer player.\"
Kaitlin is noted for drinking two lemon-lime Gatorades before participating in all her sports. The seventh-grader was also surprised yet ecstatic on being named the school's female student-athlete of the year.
\"Being named the entire school's student-athlete of the year as a seventh-grader is truly amazing,\" said a smiling Berry. \"I'm happy but surprised with the selection.\"
Berry's sports logo emblem would be a circle split into quarters - with a basketball, a soccer ball, a track foot and the final space with her initials 'KB' and the red (Georgia Bulldogs') 'UGA' underneath.
Kaitlin's message to elementary school-aged children looking to participate in middle school sports, \"Give it you all even if you are down by 50 points. Always chase after your dreams. You can chase perfection. But you will never catch it. But you will catch excellence.\"
Coaches Comments
\"Kaitlin is an absolute joy to coach. She has a strong desire to win and always gives 100 percent at practice and in the games. Kaitlin also works well with her teammates and generally looks more for the assist than the shot. She is a terrific basketball player and a great young lady.\"
Julie Norman, WJMS Head Girls Basketball Coach
\"Kaitlin is a true athlete and has worked very hard this year. She did an excellent job this track season with the 1600 meters. With her dedication I know she will continue to do well in all she sets out to accomplish.\"
Marsha Holleman, WJMS Head Girls Track Coach
\"Ms. Berry was a joy to coach this year on the WJMS girls soccer team. With a teachable attitude she made my first year coaching very pleasant. She was a great competitor with polished skills and one game time speed 'all out'.\"
Sam Wall, WJMS Head Girls Soccer Coach
Berry favorites: New sport to try: Lacrosse, Color: Carolina Blue, TV show: Desperate Housewives, Ice cream: Mint Chocolate Chip, Food: Strawberries, School subject: Science, Summer activity: Horseback riding, Burke county restaurant: Ham's (Ribs)...
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GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"My advice to you is to start drinking heavily." - Bluto
