The Tell City, Ind. native, who is still getting settled in after moving to Rocky Mount in July, celebrated his birthday with his squad getting a huge streak-breaking win over J.H. Rose.
Hess, who coaches the special teams and was a kicker at Urbana University (Ohio), had his kicker give him a present, too - a school record. Senior Nick Hahula kicked three field goals for the Gryphons - 22, 30 and 38 yards, to set a school record for field goals made in a game.
His total could have been four, but he missed a chip-shot 22-yarder on the Gryphons' game-opening drive.
Yes, it was really bad - like taking a swing with an L-wedge and looking up before you hit the ball - it goes excessively RIGHT!But not only did Hahula make three field goals, he connected on three PATs and he scored on runs of three and five yards from his fullback position.
He piled up 24 points on the night.
PARKER UPDATE
: Former Gryphon pitcher Michael Parker, who just concluded his b
aseball playing career at Barton College, is now getting checks from the Wilson school.Parker, who received his degree in sports management and business administration last spring, has been hired as an assistant baseball coach and he will be facility supervisor at the Bulldogs' Nixon Field. His coaching duties will have a special emphasis on recruiting, player skill development and scouting.
The 2003 RMHS graduate entered Barton as a pitcher, but he battled arm injuries his entire career. During his senior season last spring, he made the adjustment to starting outfielder and had a tremendous season offensively for the Bulldogs. He started 48 games, hit .359 (third best on the team) with 15 doubles, four home runs and knocked in 35 runs.
Barton went 27-28 last season.