The 2019 All-Star Sports Week recently took place in Montgomery for selected high school athletes from across Alabama, and Russellville High School was well represented.

In addition to Anna Woods’ showing in the tennis competition, three other Golden Tigers participated in the week’s competition, and they were joined by one member of the RHS coaching staff, to make up the rosters in football, soccer and golf.

2019 RHS graduate Devin Buckhalter was a part of the North football squad for the game held at the Cramton Bowl. His team fell to the South by a 22-19 final score, but Buckhalter made the most of his time on the field with two catches for a total of 32 yards. 

Buckhalter signed a baseball scholarship with Calhoun Community College this spring after finishing his career as a four-sport athlete at RHS.

The boys’ and girls’ soccer games took place at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex July 17. The North boys defeated the South 3-0, and Andres Campos was a starter representing Russellville. With the win, the North extended their winning record in the series to 12-4-1.

In the girls’ match, the South squad took a 3-1 victory over the North. Briana Ramirez of RHS saw action in the game as a goalkeeper. She allowed one goal and had two saves. The North holds an all-time series lead, 15-3-1.

Like tennis, boys’ and girls’ golf also had their first matches in the competition this year. Russellville’s boys’ coach Patrick Odom was part of the North coaching staff, along with Keat Litton of Spain Park High School.

The North boys got the win over the South by a 63.5-50.5 total at the Montgomery Country Club course. 

“When you’re a part of the first, it is fun and unique because it’s never been done before,” Odom said of the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural golf event. “Hopefully it’s another way to build the game of golf across the state.”

Odom said the credit for being named to the All-Star staff goes to his players at RHS. “It’s a testament to our program and the kids that we’ve had,” he explained. “For me, it is just a blessing to be a part of that.”

In other action, the North girls’ team took wins in basketball and golf, while the North boys won in tennis and cross country. The South won competitions in baseball, softball, volleyball, boys’ basketball and girls’ cross country.

The Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association oversees the North-South events as part of the annual AHSAA Summer Conference held each year in July.