Sports Column: ‘Best games I’ve ever covered’ vol. 2
CULLMAN, Ala. -- COVID-19
has forced the cancellation of spring sports and during this unprecedented
time, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best games...
Alabama’s Kolby Robinson selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV Baseball Team
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama senior infielder Kolby Robinson was selected
to the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV Baseball Team, the organization
announced Thursday.
The CoSIDA Academic
All-America program recognizes...
Sports Column: ‘The best games I’ve ever covered’ vol. 1
CULLMAN, Ala. -- COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of spring sports and during this unprecedented time, I’ve compiled a list of some of the...
AHSAA Central Board approves new spring sports alignments
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The
Alabama High School Athletic Association Central Board has approved spring
sports’ alignments for the upcoming 2020-21 and 2021-21 classification period.
The action was...
Former Bearcat Kolby Robinson joining All Star Sports Training staff
CULLMAN, Ala. – After
several standout years on the baseball field with the Cullman Bearcats, the
Wallace State Lions and the Alabama Crimson Tide, Kolby Robinson...
PREP FOOTBALL: Cullman’s Hughey commits to South Alabama
CULLMAN, Ala. – Bearcats
standout Jaylen Hughey has had a busy couple of months being recruited by
schools all over the south and after racking up...
PREP SPORTS: Local seniors reflect on their favorite games, moments from their careers
The spread of COVID-19 has brought an abrupt and
unsatisfying end to the careers of senior athletes all over the state. This
time of year should...
“I get to finish with the girls I started with” – Alabama’s Claire Jenkins excited for 2021 after NCAA ruling
TUSCLOOSA, Ala. – With
seemingly endless waves of bad news hitting the sports world day after day, the
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was able to...
PREP BASEBALL: 2020 season recap; COVID-19 brings early end to spring sports
CULLMAN, Ala. – With
Gov. Ivey and State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey’s announcement
about students staying home for the rest of the school year...
Perfect Game lists 3 Trojans as top MLB Draft prospects
Troy, Ala. – Three Trojans were named to Perfect Game's list of the nation's top 400 MLB Draft prospects, the organization announced earlier this week. Right-handed...
PREP SOFTBALL: Where do local teams stand during the hiatus?
CULLMAN, Ala. – With
schools shut down across the state, high school sports are in the middle of an
unprecedented hiatus. As of now, a return...
Latest from Mayor Woody Jacobs – 3/23
CULLMAN, Ala. -- The
City of Cullman continues to provide essential services – police, fire,
emergency medical, water and sewer service, electricity– all operations deemed
appropriate.
Closing down...
PREP BASEBALL: Bearcats split road doubleheader with James Clemens
MADISON, Al. – After wrapping up action in the Perfect Game High School Showdown in Hoover last week, the Bearcats were back on the...
PREP BASEBALL: Eagles knock off Danville at home 7-2; Thursday scoring recap
VINEMONT, Ala. – Danville
made the trip to Vinemont High School for a matchup with the Eagles Thursday
night and the Hawks were sent home with...
PREP BASEBALL: West Point sweeps Priceville at home; Saturday scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. – After
a week of pouring rain, Saturday brought great weather and a day packed with
local softball and baseball action across the state....
PREP TRACK & FIELD: Bearcats edge Hartselle to win Cullman Invitational
CULLMAN, Ala. – Teams
from all over the area made their way to Oliver Woodard Stadium at Cullman High
School Saturday to compete in this year’s...
ARCHERY: Vinemont High & Middle, East Elementary win at Cullman County Regional
GOOD HOPE, Ala. – Archery
season is in full swing across Cullman County and a full field of local teams made
their way to Good Hope...
PREP BASEBALL: ‘Cats defeat Northside, fall to DeSoto Central in extra innings at Perfect Game High School Showdown
HOOVER, Ala. – This
year’s Perfect Game High School Showdown kicked off at the Hoover Metroplex Thursday
and the Cullman Bearcats played their first matchup of...
PREP BASEBALL: ‘Cats roll past Grissom 10-5
CULLMAN, Ala. – After splitting a pair of matchups on the road over the weekend, Cullman returned to Bill Shelton Field Tuesday night to...
PREP BASEBALL: Hanceville knocks off Danville, Fairview on the road; Saturday scoring recap
FAIRVIEW, Ala. -- Fairview welcomed Danville and Hanceville to their place for some Saturday baseball action and the Bulldogs went home with a pair...
PREP BASEBALL: Cullman knocks off Homewood 9-2
CULLMAN, Ala. – After
a weekend trip to Gulf Shores, the Bearcats returned home Tuesday night to host
the Homewood Patriots. Cullman got off to a...
PREP SOFTBALL: Wilkins tosses no-hitter against East Lawrence, Cullman’s Patterson collects 400th win; Saturday scoring recap
WEST POINT, Ala. – This
year’s “Warrior Battle” Tournament at West Point High School resumed Saturday morning
and after defeating East Lawrence, Lawrence County and Curry...
PREP SOFTBALL: Lady Warriors tie Priceville, rout Columbia to open season; Friday scoring recap
WEST POINT, Ala. – West
Point’s Warrior Battle Tournament got underway Friday afternoon and it was opening
day for the Lady Warriors. West Point was home...
PREP BASEBALL: Bearcats sweep opening day doubleheader against Hazel Green
CULLMAN, Ala. – Baseball season has arrived and the defending 6A state champion Cullman Bearcats opened things up with a rematch of last year’s...
PREP BASKETBALL: Campbell’s last-second free throws push Hanceville past Locust Fork in OT and back to Northeast Regional
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville
is heading back to Jacksonville State for the Northeast Regional after taking
down Locust Fork in a thrilling, sub-regional showdown that couldn’t...
PREP CHEERLEADING: Good Hope, Cullman cheer squads shine at UCA National Championships
ORLANDO, Fla. – Two local schools were represented at this year’s UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at...
PREP BASKETBALL: Lady Bearcats drop sub-regional matchup against Athens
CULLMAN, Ala. – After
winning its last meeting with Athens, Cullman looked for another huge win
against the Lady Golden Eagles, but this time, their season...
PREP BASKETBALL: West Point downs East Limestone 57-50 to earn back to back trips to Northwest Regional; Sub-Regional scoring recap
WEST POINT, Ala. – For
the second consecutive season, the West Point Lady Warriors have defeated East
Limestone in the sub-regionals and will move on to...
PREP BASKETBALL: Local teams tipping off sub-regionals tonight
CULLMAN, Ala.-
Sub-regionals are here and several local teams are looking to keep their
respective seasons alive. Everyone is in "win or go home" mode from
now...
PREP BASKETBALL: Hanceville blows by Glencoe 73-41 to win 3A, Area 12 tournament title; Friday area tournament scoring recap
HANCEVILLE, Ala – The
Bulldogs returned to Lane Horton Gymnasium after knocking off J.B. Pennington
earlier this week and this time, they were facing Glencoe for...
PREP BASKETBALL: Lady Bearcats topple Hartselle 46-37 to capture 6A, Area 14 tournament crown; area tournament scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. – For
the third time this season, the Cullman Lady Bearcats are winners over the
Hartselle Lady Tigers and their most recent victory earned...
PREP BASKETBALL: Hanceville holds off J.B. Pennington 65-54 to advance to area tournament finals; area tournament scoring recap
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The
Bulldogs returned home Tuesday night to host this year’s Class 3A, Area 12
Tournament and Hanceville is on to the championship game...
PREP BASKETBALL: Area tournaments tipping off Monday
CULLMAN, Ala. – Area
tournaments have arrived and its now time to win or go home for local teams traveling
and hosting their respective tournaments. The...
PREP BASKETBALL: Eastman passes Johnson to become Lady Bearcats all-time leading scorer
CULLMAN, Ala. – There’s
a new name atop the scoring charts at Cullman High School. One of senior point
guard Anna Katherine Eastman’s early baskets in...
PREP BASKETBALL: Lady Bearcats rout Hartselle 55-26 to clinch area crown, Bearcats fall to Tigers 76-71; Tuesday scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman
returned home Tuesday night for a pair of massive area showdowns against the hated
Hartselle Tigers and the Lady Bearcats won the...
PREP BASKETBALL: Lady Bearcats knock off Decatur Heritage 54-46, Bearcats blow past Danville 85-61
CULLMAN, Ala. – Both the Bearcats and Lady Bearcats were playing at home on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and welcomed in Decatur Heritage,...
PREP BASKETBALL: Bulldogs stomp J.B. Pennington to win area crown, Lady Bulldogs dominate Lady Tigers; Friday scoring recap
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Friday
night was homecoming at Hanceville High School and both the Bulldogs and Lady
Bulldogs put on a show for an excited home...
PREP BASKETBALL: No. 10 Good Hope rolls past Cold Springs 72-41, top-ranked Lady Eagles pull away from Lady Raiders 47-29; Thursday scoring recap
GOOD HOPE, Ala. – Both
the Eagles and top-ranked Lady Eagles of Cold Springs traveled to Good Hope for
a pair of varsity matchups Thursday night...
PREP BASKETBALL: Bearcats collect 69-50 area win over Decatur, Lady Bearcats rout Lady Red Raiders 61-24; Tuesday scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. – After
the Lady Bearcats edged Hartselle in a double overtime thriller on the road
last week and the Bearcats lost a tough one...
PREP BASKETBALL: Eagles down West End 65-34, Lady Eagles roll past Lady Patriots 61-15; Friday scoring recap
BREMEN, Ala. – After
splitting a pair of matchups at Southeastern earlier in the week, Cold Springs
returned home Friday night to host an area showdown...
PREP FOOTBALL: Cullman’s Sullins signs with Navy
CULLMAN, Ala. – After
several standout years on the gridiron, Bearcat running back Jayden Sullins is
heading to Annapolis, Maryland to continue his playing career at...
PREP BASKETBALL: Lady Raiders knock off Hanceville 52-48 in OT, Raiders topple Bulldogs 72-61; Tuesday scoring recap
GOOD HOPE, Ala. – After
dropping a pair of home matchups Monday night, Hanceville hit the road Tuesday
for a big showdown with the Good Hope...
PREP BASKETBALL: Broncos, Lady Broncos sweep Brindlee Mountain in area matchup; Friday scoring recap
HOLLY POND, Ala. – The
Broncos and Lady Broncos were both playing at home Friday night and they were
there to host Brindlee Mountain for an...
PREP BASKETBALL: Warriors advance to Christmas Tournament finals, Cold Springs falls to Brewer; Friday scoring recap
WEST POINT, Ala. – After
splitting their opening-round games of the West Point Christmas Tournament
Thursday night, Cold Springs and West Point returned to Jim Boyd...
PREP BASKETBALL: Warriors blast Falkville 92-60 in opening round of West Point Christmas Tournament; Thursday scoring recap
WEST POINT,
Ala. – The West Point Warriors hit the floor for their first matchup of
the West Point Christmas Tournament Thursday night by taking on...
ALL-STATE FOOTBALL: 14 local athletes earn All-State honors; Vinemont’s Dinkle, Fairview’s Martin land on first team
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The 2019 All-State Football teams were released by the Alabama Sports Writers Association Saturday night and there were 14 local athletes...
PREP BASKETBALL: Bearcats fall to Oneonta 60-54 in Wallace State Pre-Christmas Bash
HANCEVILLE, Ala. -- The
final Friday game of the Wallace State Pre-Christmas Bash featured the Cullman
Bearcats and the Oneonta Redskins. After the Bearcats jumped out...
PREP BASKETBALL: Vinemont Eagles, Lady Eagles capture St. Bernard Christmas Tournament titles; Friday scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. – Both
the Vinemont Eagles and Lady Eagles were in Friday night’s championship games
at this year’s St. Bernard Christmas Tournament and they each...
PREP BASKETBALL: Bulldogs, Lady Bulldogs sweep Holly Pond at home; Thursday scoring recap
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville
hosted Holly Pond in Thursday night hoops action and the Lady Bulldogs and
Bulldogs each picked up big home wins. Hanceville's girls...
AHSAA releases new fall sports classifications for 2020-2022, Hanceville and Fairview moving up
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The
Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board approved fall sport reclassifications
for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons Tuesday morning and a pair...
STATE CHEERLEADING: Bearcats win 4th consecutive 6A State Title
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – There
was a familiar sight at the end of Saturday’s AHSAA State Cheer Competition,
the Cullman Bearcats claiming the Class 6A State Championship....
PREP BASKETBALL: Broncos, Lady Broncos drop area matchups against New Hope; Friday scoring recap
HOLLY POND, Ala. – After
splitting a pair of varsity matchups at Vinemont earlier this week, Holly Pond
returned home Friday night to host New Hope...
PREP BASKETBALL: Bearcats smother Patriots 51-32, Lady Bearcats narrowly fall to Brewer; Monday scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. – The
Cullman Bearcats took on Brewer for the second time this season and both the
boys and girls were looking for their second...
PREP SWIMMING: Bearcat swimmers cap off season at AHSAA State Meet in Auburn
AUBURN, Ala. – Several
Cullman High School swimmers were in the field taking on 635 other athletes
from across the state at this year’s AHSAA State...
PREP BASKETBALL: Big 4th quarter lifts Lady Warriors over Muscle Shoals, Warriors fall to Trojans 69-57; Friday scoring recap
WEST POINT, Ala. – The Muscle Shoals Trojans made
their way down Hwy. 157 Friday night for a pair of varsity matchups and the
Lady Warriors...
PREP BASKETBALL: Aggies, Lady Aggies sweep Cold Springs on the road; Monday scoring recap
BREMEN, Ala. – After
a busy tournament slate in the lead up to Thanksgiving last week, local teams
returned to the hardwood Monday night and Fairview...
PREP SWIMMING: Several Bearcat swimmers qualify for state at North Sectional Meet
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The
Cullman High School Swim Team was in the field at this year’s North Sectional
Meet at the Huntsville Aquatics Center last weekend...
PREP BASKETBALL: Lady Broncos come from behind to defeat Lindsay Lane, Broncos fall to Lincoln County
HOLLY POND, Ala. – This
year’s Holly Pond Thanksgiving Tournament came to a close Wednesday with the Fairview
Aggies and the Broncos and Lady Broncos of...
PREP BASKETBALL: Bulldogs rout Meek in Thanksgiving Tournament; Tuesday scoring recap
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The
Hanceville Bulldogs took on the Meek Tigers in Tuesday night’s final
Thanksgiving Tournament game. Hanceville jumped out to a quick 15-5 lead...
PREP BASKETBALL: Bearcats handle Belgreen 57-45 in Thanksgiving Bash
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Cullman was on the hard wood bright and early at Tom Drake Coliseum Tuesday morning to take on their first opponent...
PREP BASKETBALL: Broncos, Lady Broncos topple JB Pennington, Chilton County in Thanksgiving Tournament; Monday scoring recap
HOLLY POND, Ala. – Monday was the first day of the 63rd
annual Holly Pond Thanksgiving Tournament and the Lady Broncos were the local
highlight after...
PREP FOOTBALL: A look back at the 2019 season
CULLMAN, Ala.
-- The 2019 high school football season has come to an end and it saw a handful
of local teams make the postseason. Addison,...
PREP BASKETBALL: Bearcats, Lady Bearcats knock off Hanceville at home; Friday scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. – After
splitting a pair of matchups at Gardendale Thursday night, Cullman returned
home Friday to host the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs of Hanceville....
PREP BASKETBALL: Fairview sweeps Vinemont on the road; Thursday scoring recap
VINEMONT, Ala. – After tipping off the 2019 season against Holly Pond earlier this week, Fairview made the short trip up to Vinemont for...
PREP BASKETBALL: West Point splits home varsity matchups with Good Hope; Tuesday scoring recap
WEST POINT, Ala. – Good
Hope made the trip up to West Point for a pair of varsity matchups Tuesday
night and split a couple of...
PREP FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Cullman’s postseason run ends with 35-0 loss to Oxford
CULLMAN, Ala. – For the first time in 10 years, the Bearcats were playing a second-round playoff game in front of their home crowd...
PREP BASKETBALL: St. Bernard Saints, Lady Saints split home opener against Meek
CULLMAN, Ala. – The
Meek Tigers made their way to St. Bernard Thursday night for their first games
of the season and for the Saints and...
Cullman’s Eastman, Thompson sign with Montevallo, UAH
CULLMAN, Ala. – Two
highly accomplished Bearcat athletes took another big step toward their collegiate
careers on Wednesday. Teammates, friends, family and coaches gathered in
Cullman High...
PREP SWIMMING: CHS Swim Team places 3rd at James Clemens Invitational
MADISON, Ala. – Cullman
High School’s Swim and Dive team was back in action Tuesday night at this year’s
James Clemens Invitational and of the 17...
PREP FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Fairview, Cullman preparing for round 2 matchups
Three local teams fell in the opening round of the
AHSAA State Football Playoffs last week, but the Fairview Aggies and Cullman
Bearcats are still alive....
PREP BASKETBALL: Bearcats, Lady Bearcats split home-opener against Arab
CULLMAN, Ala. – Tuesday
night was the home opener for this year’s Cullman basketball teams and they
were hosting the Arab Arabian Knights. The Lady Bearcats...
STATE CROSS COUNTRY: Local teams, individuals shine at AHSAA State Cross Country Championships
DANVILLE, Ala. – There’s
a lot of hardware returning to Cullman County after Saturday morning’s AHSAA State
Cross Country Championships. The Cold Springs Eagles captured the...
PREP FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Bearcats shut out Mae Jemison 20-0 to advance to round 2
Updated 11-8-19 at 10:24 p.m.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Friday night was a historic one for the Cullman Bearcats as they collected their first ever 6A...
PREP FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Bearcats, Eagles, Raiders traveling for round 1; Fairview, Addison hosting playoff matchups
Postseason football is finally here and there are five
local teams in state brackets that will be hitting the field again this Friday.
Cold Springs, Cullman...
PREP SWIMMING: CHS Swim Team competes at North Alabama Championship
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Cullman
High School’s swim team was back in action this weekend for the 2019 North Alabama
Championship and there were several standout individual...
PREP CROSS COUNTRY: 9 local teams qualify for state meet at Friday Sectionals
Friday was a busy day for cross country across the state
and several local squads punched their tickets to this year’s state meet with
their sectional...
CULLMAN COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: Cyclones win Fireplug, Pee-Wee titles; Warriors capture Wee-Wee championship
WEST POINT, Ala. – This
year’s Cullman County Youth Football season officially came to an end Tuesday
night with three championship matchups. The Cullman Cyclones took...
PREP FOOTBALL: Cullman wraps up regular season with rainy, 42-23 win over Fort Payne
CULLMAN, Ala. – It
was a wet and rainy night for football at Oliver Woodard Stadium Friday night
and that’s exactly how the Bearcats wanted it....
PREP SWIMMING: CHS Swim Team takes 1st place at Cullman Bearcat Invitational
CULLMAN, Ala. – 12
schools were in the field at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center for this
year’s Cullman Bearcat Invitational and the hosting Cullman...
PREP VOLLEYBALL: Addison wins Area Tournament crown; Cullman, Cold Springs headed to North Super Regional
Classes 2A, 6A and 7A were on the court for area
tournaments Tuesday night and all three local squads in action will be moving
on to...
CULLMAN COUNTY YOUTH FOOTBALL: Championship matchups set for next week
WEST POINT, Ala.
-- Round one of the Cullman County Youth Football playoffs is in the books and
championship games are now set for each division....
PREP CROSS COUNTRY: Guthery wins at St. Bernard Invitational; Cold Springs wins small school title
CULLMAN, Ala. – Nearly
all of our local teams were in the field at the St. Bernard Oktoberfest Invitational
and Saturday morning provided cool, rainy conditions...
PREP FOOTBALL: Dueland’s late score lifts Bearcats over Hartselle
CULLMAN, Ala. – It was another typical showdown between Cullman and Hartselle at Oliver Woodard Stadium Friday night as the Tigers and Bearcats took...
PREP VOLLEYBALL: Area tournaments set to begin Monday
CULLMAN, Ala. -- Volleyball’s regular season is winding down this weekend and that means area tournaments are right around the corner. Three teams, Addison,...
PREP FOOTBALL: Good Hope, Cullman, West Point, Cold Springs, Addison hosting regional matchups
With most of the regular season in the books, several
local teams have already punched their tickets to the playoffs and more still
have a chance...
Cullman County Youth Football Playoffs set to begin Saturday
CULLMAN, Ala.
-- Saturday marked the end of the youth football regular season and four teams
from the fireplug, wee-wee, and pee-wee divisions clinched playoff spots....
Cullman County Youth Football week 8 scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. -- The
youth football regular season is officially over and the rest of the playoff field
in each division was decided on Saturday in...
PREP FOOTBALL: 2nd-ranked Trojans handle Bearcats 45-0
MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. – Thursday
night was a tough one for the Cullman Bearcats. The black and gold traveled to
Muscle Shoals to take on the...
PREP FOOTBALL: Eagles, Tigers, Aggies, Broncos hosting region foes; Bearcats traveling Thursday
As we make our way through October and the end of the
regular season approaches, playoff contenders have separated themselves from
the rest of the pack...
Cullman County Youth Football week 7 scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala.
- The youth football regular season is winding down and some teams from each
division have either clinched playoff spots or were looking to...
PREP CROSS COUNTRY: Cold Springs wins small school title at Jesse Owens Classic; Saints, Lady Saints finish second
OAKVILLE, Ala. – This
year’s Jesse Owens Classic was held at Oakville Indian Mounds Park Saturday morning
and the Cold Springs Eagles collected another big win...
PREP FOOTBALL: Athens too much for Bearcats on the road
ATHENS, Ala. - The Cullman Bearcats traveled to Athens to take on the Golden Eagles in a huge region game looking to grab a...
PREP FOOTBALL: Broncos, Bearcats, Tigers, Eagles preparing to travel for region matchups
Vinemont, Holly Pond, Meek and Cullman will all travel
for region games this week and as we move into the latter portion of the
regular season,...
Cullman County Youth Football week 6 scoring recap
CULLMAN, Al.
- Week six of the youth football season is officially in the books and with two
weeks left to go in the season, every...
PREP CROSS COUNTRY: Chambers, Guthery, Thompson win at Kudzu Hills Invitational; Cold Springs, Cullman capture team titles
BREMEN, Ala. –
This year’s Kudzu Hills Invitational is in the books and after a special
presentation in which the course was dedicated in honor of...
PREP FOOTBALL: Bearcats fall at home to Hueytown, 33-16
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Bearcats hosted the Hueytown Golden Gophers for homecoming Friday night and the Bearcats came up short in a hard-fought...
PREP FOOTBALL: Cullman’s Hughey, Sullins invited to 2020 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl
CULLMAN, Ala. –
The first half of the season has gone well for Cullman’s running back duo and
it just got a little better this week....
PREP VOLLEYBALL: Lady Bearcats defeat West Point, Arab in tri-match
WEST POINT, Ala. –
The Lady Warriors hosted Cullman and Arab for a pair of non-area matchups
Thursday night and the Lady Bearcats went home with...
PREP FOOTBALL: Cold Springs, Cullman hosting Friday night; Tigers headed to Sumiton Christian
We’re halfway through the 2019 high school football
season in Alabama and we have a few local teams hitting a bye this week. (3-2)
Fairview, (2-3)...
Cullman County Youth Football week 5 scoring recap
CULLMAN, Ala. – We’ve
reached the halfway point of the Cullman County Youth Football season and
everyone’s teams are beginning to take better shape with the...
