The Dexter cross country team is well into their 2011 season and with a young team, they continue to compete and improve their running skills.  

Head coach Aaron Pixley goes over some adjustments with defensive back Kenton Sanders during Wednesday's practice.  

By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The JV tennis team picked up another ‘W’ on Wednesday afternoon when they faced the Caruthersville Lady Tigers.

The Tigers were only able to bring two players to the match - one member of the squad was out due to injury; the remainder didn’t have enough practices in to be eligable for competition under MSHSAA rules - but the JV ‘Cats were able to get three matches in.

The doubles duo of Paige Patterson and Alison Jarrell, as well as singles Kendra Stevenson and Brannon Heaton, were all able to get 6-0 victories.

The Lady ‘Cats will be in action again Monday (Sept. 12) afternoon, when they face off against the Charleston Bluejays.  The match is set to get for a 4:00 p.m. start.

Photo Above:

Brannon Heaton makes a very athletic shot during her singles match.  Heaton was able to get a 6-0 win to help push the JV squad to a 3-0 victory in the contest.

If you’ve ever been one to think that all kids are alike, allow us to prove you wrong - meet Mr. Zach Lacy.

Zach is the son of Russ and Kim Lacy of Dexter. He is a young man that proves that manners and kindness can reside in the life of a young person. A gentle giant on the high school football team, Zach has a strong fan following among the members of Bearcat Nation.

As an athlete, Lacy has been a standout in both football and wrestling, now in his senior year at Dexter High School. He has been a team leader and someone that is considered a friend among all his peers. Lacy is one of the good guys - one that always has a smile on his face and an upbeat spirit that he is willing to share with anyone.

During his sophomore year, Zach became a starting offensive lineman for the Bearcats out of sheer size and ability. His performance as a young Bearcat exceeded all expectations of his coaches and fellow players.

Gaining valuable experience during the 2009 season for the ‘Cats, Lacy came into his junior year. A nagging shoulder injury continued to plague his performance during the season, but Zach was quick to grow his mental toughness by playing through the entire season with only being sidelined a few times during a game. You would always find him ready and willing to get back on the field every Friday night, regardless of any injury.

The Bearcat offensive line has been one that has drawn a lot of attention. Zach has been fortunate to surround himself with quality lineman in the past - Jake Bollinger, Theo Gaul, Tim Moore, and Jacob Stephens all come to mind - that have given him both motivation and valuable experience. His ability to be steady and solid on the field has brought him All-Conference and All-Region honors during his junior season as an offensive lineman.

---

---

“Zach Lacy has been a pleasure to work with in the weightroom and on the football field,” head football coach Aaron Pixley said. “He has transformed his body from a boy as a freshman to a man as a senior."


“He has improved as a player every year, and most importantly, as a person.”, Pixley continued. "We are excited to see Zach have his best year yet."

Zach’s athletic abilities don't begin and end on the football field - he's also an outstanding member of the wrestling team. Lacy has wrestled at the varsity heavyweight division since his freshman year and has competed in District, Sectional and State-level competitions throughout his high school career.

His initial goal when he went out for the squad was to improve his footwork and mobility on the offensive line, but he found that he was actually great at the sport. He had a bit of a tough start during his freshman season, but at the end of his sophomore year, he was voted Most Improved Wrestler by his coaches and his junior year found him as a state tournament qualifier.

“Through hard work in wrestling and the weight room, Zach has been able to reshape his body into a force to be reckoned with on the athletic field”, commented football and wrestling coach, Rick Schwab. “He has greatly lowered his body fat percentage while increasing his 40 speed and increasing his numbers in the weight room.”

“Zach has a great work ethic, a determined mind and it has showed through his accomplishments in our athletic programs”, Schwab continued.

Lacy is extremely involved with activities both at school and around the community. He is one that is truly a standout in the Class of 2012. Both his infectious smile and friendly demeanor make you know that Russ and Kim Lacy have done something incredibly right in raising this young man.