What’s Going On?: ‘Big Harry’ race set for another run

Published 7:35 am Monday, May 28, 2012

Doug Renz was lucky enough to find a hero in his father, Harry Renz. But he’s done much more than simply remember his dad — he’s made sure that others remember him, too.

One way Renz has paid tribute to “Big Harry” is through a memorial scholarship. Now in its eighth year, the Harry W. Renz Jr. Memorial Scholarship has provided more than $10,000 to college-bound students.

Last year, Renz took another step in keeping Harry’s legacy alive by laying out a 5K (3.1-mile) cross country course at Lakeshore and Al Rollins parks; he also started a race in honor of his dad, who was a Rotarian and helped start Dalton High’s annual invitational track meet.

Well, the “Big Harry” is set for another run at 6 p.m. Thursday at Lakeshore. If you’d like to participate in the race, there’s no set fee, but donations will be accepted for the scholarship fund. (Renz said it will be the year’s biggest fundraiser for the scholarship.)

Sounds like a great way to get moving, help out and honor “Big Harry.” Questions? Call (706) 529-8386.

And here’s a look at what else is going on:

• Georgia Tech fans have enjoyed a nice spring.

The school’s softball team won its third Atlantic Coast Conference title in four seasons, while the baseball team won the ACC title on Sunday, despite entering the tournament as the No. 8 seed.

Well, Yellow Jackets fans can congratulate each other on all things Tech at 6 p.m. Tuesday as the school’s 2012 Coaches Caravan makes a stop at The Farm Golf Club in Rocky Face. Football coach Paul Johnson, men’s basketball coach Brian Gregory, women’s basketball coach Machelle Joseph, athletic director Dan Radakovich and broadcaster Wes Durham are all scheduled to attend.

Light snacks will be served and a cash bar will be available for this free event, but fans must register by visiting ramblingwreck.com/caravan. If you have questions, write to gtclubnwgeorgia@gmail.com.

• Summer holidays and baseball go hand-in-hand, and while the Atlanta Braves have struggled mightily of late, local folks have some extra incentive to make a trip to Turner Field over the next few days.

Dalton’s own Mitchell Boggs is in Atlanta starting today as the St. Louis Cardinals play a three-game series with the Braves, the only time this year they’re making this visit. Today’s first pitch is at 1:10 p.m., with game time set for 7:10 p.m. both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Boggs, a reliever, has a 2.11 ERA and has struck out 21 batters in 21 1/3 innings pitched this season while allowing nine walks and 17 hits. If you can’t make it down but want to keep an eye out for the Dalton High alum, the whole series is scheduled for broadcast on the SportSouth network.

As for minor league action, while both the Chattanooga Lookouts and the Rome Braves are out of town today, the Lookouts return to AT&T Field on Saturday for the first contest in a five-game homestand against the Jackson Generals. Rome comes home next week and will play plenty of home dates during June — 16 to be exact.

You can find out lots more information about promotions, tickets and making a visit to the ballparks by visiting lookouts.com and romebraves.com.

• In the eight prep soccer seasons I’ve covered here in Northwest Georgia, this one stands out like no other for its top-to-bottom success for local boys programs.

Dalton, North Murray, Northwest Whitfield and Southeast Whitfield all advanced to the state quarterfinals, and there was success of a different measure for other teams, too — Christian Heritage’s boys made the GISA playoffs, Coahulla Creek was a win away from advancing to the GHSA Class 2A bracket and Murray County wasn’t bad, either.

Not surprisingly, that made picking this year’s Daily Citizen All-Area Boys Soccer Team a tough task.

But it’s done, and we’ll share the lineup with you this Sunday, so be sure not to miss our report on the team and the All-Area Player of the Year.

Marty Kirkland is sports editor of The Daily Citizen. Have something you think he should highlight in “What’s Going On?” Write to him at martykirkland@daltoncitizen.com.