QUINTEZ SMITH

Dublin's Quintez Smith continues to rack up postseason honors


January 26, 2:43 AM
Black College Sports Examiner
Gregory Smith

At the rate Quintez Smith is going, he may not find enough space in Dublin, Georgia for all of his awards and postseason honors.

The latest?

The cornerback for Shaw University was named to the D2Football.com All-America Team, which honors NCAA Division II players. Smith made first team and was the only player from an HBCU to do so.

Smith was also honored by the 100% Wrong Club, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that has been honoring athletes from historically black colleges and universities since 1934. The group will honor its selections during its celebration weekend Feb. 5-6.

Among Smith's other accomplishments, he played in three all-star games -- the HBCU Bowl, East Coast Bowl and the Cactus Bowl.

He was named to the SBN Black College All-America Team, as well as the BASN HBCU All-America Team, both of which honor black college athletes from Division I and II HBCUs. He also earned inclusion on the American Football Coaches Association 1st Team All-America squad.

Smith set one Division II record and tied two more this season. He set the single-game record for most return yards after interceptions with 194 against Elizabeth City State. He tied the record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a game with three against Fayetteville State. He also matched the most interceptions returned for scores in a season with four.

ERIK WALDEN

Three cities, three teams, three jersey numbers.


That's the tally of Erik Walden's two years in the NFL.

@Adam Sparks.sparks@dnj.com, blueraiders.com, NFL

The former MTSU standout defensive end/linebacker just finished his second NFL season with the Miami Dolphins.The nomadic Walden hopes south Florida is his home, at least for a while. "You always hope you don't have to move around, but it happens quite often in this league," Walden said. "I hope I don't have to do that much more. I want to find a place that I can call home."

Walden has had to adjust at the next level. After setting single-season and career records in sacks as an MTSU defensive end  from 2004-07, Walden switched to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme after being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round — becoming the first Blue Raider drafted since Tyrone Calico in 2003.

Walden was cut by the Cowboys before the 2008 regular season and claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs. He played nine games with the Chiefs before being released and playing the final six games of the 2008 season with the Dolphins. He played 11 games with the Dolphins in 2009.

Walden has taken his numerous NFL moves in stride. "You're never ready to move like that, but I'm glad it happened early in my career," Walden said. "It's going to probably happen anyway. You're going to have to change teams, but it would hurt worse later in my career if I've been somewhere for a long time. "If it's going to happen, better that it happen now than later. Hopefully, I can find a home, though."

Walden, a Dublin, Ga. native, said he has not tried to grow roots anywhere until his NFL status gains a better footing. He has spent the last two years living in various apartments and hotels as temporary homes, including a mere three-month stay in Kansas City.

"I didn't really want to buy anything since I didn't know where I was going to be, but that's just part of it," Walden said. "At first, (changing teams) bothered me. But when I thought about it, I decided that I was not going to let an incident like that affect me. I just had to keep on working hard, and that's what I am doing."

In all three of his NFL stops, Walden, a 6-foot-2, 250-pounder, has spent most of his time on special teams, where he rarely played at MTSU. But MTSU coach Rick Stockstill said Walden must make his mark there.

"Each NFL team is so different, and there's always someone there to replace you," Stockstill said. "Early in his career, Erik has got to be a warrior on special teams. He can run and he's been in there for special teams and some situational things on defense. He's got to do things on special teams. If he keeps his nose clean and works hard, he's got a chance."

Walden was listed as a third-string outside linebacker behind Joey Porter and Charlie Anderson this past season.

Walden said his ultimate goal is to start on defense in the NFL, but he's willing to cut his teeth on special teams.

"This year and last year, I mostly did special teams," Walden said. "But I'm an athlete, so I should be able to adjust to that. That's my job right now, so I'm going to work really hard at it."

Walden recorded 10 special teams tackles with the Chiefs, second-most on the team, and five more with the Dolphins in the 2008 season. In 2009, he had eight tackles in 11 games with Miami. He was declared injured or inactive in five games.

The Dolphins' season ended a week ago with a 7-9 record. Walden said he hopes to return to Miami next season.

"It's a year-to-year thing in this league, and I know that," Walden said. "I'm looking forward to having a long NFL career, but all I can do is work hard. I can't worry about what I can't control, so I'm not going to worry. I will just keep working, but I feel pretty good about things so far."

ERIK WALDEN

Hometown:Dublin, Ga.

Position: OLB

MTSU career (2004-07)

MTSU single-season and career leader in sacks

Two-time All-Sun Belt first team selection

Only MTSU player ever to lead in sacks three seasons

NFL career

April 2008: Drafted by Cowboys in 6th Rd.

Aug. 2008: Claimed by Chiefs off waivers

2008 season: Played 9 games with Chiefs

Nov. 2008: Claimed off waivers by Dolphins

2008 season: Played 6 games with Dolphins

2009 season: Played 11 games with Dolphins

LORYEA L. BOYD

Talking to a Nonagenarian


If you are a historian, you yearn to talk to an nonagenarian. These are the people who are closing in on a century of living. To us fanatical history nuts, the tales and stories they tell you remind you of the day you first went on an Easter egg hunt. These folks have forgotten more events than many of us remember. As soon
as you get a chance, go out an find one. They aren't that hard to find. Don't just talk to them. Listen and listen intently. Oh, by the way, take detailed notes.

Loryea Lee Boyd came into this world on November 14, 1909. Though he lived most of his life in his native South Carolina, Mr. Boyd now lives in Swainsboro, but visits his son Larry and his wife Yvonne here in Dublin every chance he gets.  Mr. Boyd grew up on a farm, sharing his modest house with nine siblings - six
brothers and three sisters.

At the relatively old age of thirty-four, Loryea Boyd served his country in the Pacific during World War II. As a member of the Quartermaster Corps, Boyd drove a jeep carrying messages and working as a mail clerk in India. At the end of the war in Europe, Boyd was preparing to leave for the inevitable invasion of Japan. But along the way, he met his brother. The Boyd boys had a marvelous reunion and visited the sites around Calais, France. Loryea, or "L.L." as his friends call him, left Europe on this thirty sixth birthday bound for Camp Kilmer, New Jersey before virtually coming home to Augusta. During his years in the service, L.L. Boyd circumnavigated the globe.

When L.L. Boyd was born, William Howard Taft was the President of the United States. Since then, Boyd has lived under the administrations of seventeen presidents. His favorites are Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Roosevelt's fireside chats are still vivid in his ninety-eight year old mind. He thinks not very highly of Herbert Hoover. It was during the "Hoover Days" when Boyd and his neighbors lived in hard times. But he remembers, "I lived on a farm, but we didn't need anything. We had plenty to eat and never sought any relief."

It is indeed amazing how so many nonagenarians remember ancient things in details we youngsters can't remember from yesterday. Like the time L.L. needed a truck. He and his brother bought it from their uncle and took up the payments on a 1929 Chevrolet truck. Boyd remembers to the penny the $190.00 he spent on his 1931 Ford. It was about then when L.L. graduated from Wofford College in his home state. He did a little work on the vehicle before trading it in for a brand new '33 Plymouth and its spoked wheels. To help pay for these vehicles, Mr. Boyd kept a grocery store and a gristmill before going into the insurance business. With a good job in hand, Boyd married Lila Sheppard of Tampa in a marriage which lasted sixty five years.

Loryea L. Boyd's secret to a good life are having a good family, not drinking and not smoking. He does have some vices, chocolate - chocolate pie, chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream. When a piece of red velvet cake is put in front of him, few, if any, crumbs are left.

Among his heroes are Lou Gehrig and Strom Thurmond. But, just ask him. I think he is more proud of his sons, Larry and Edward. His pride in his sons is reflected in their pride in their dad.

"I have never known him to do anything except what is considered the right thing. He taught us by example, not words," said Edward. Though Edward was sparingly used as a substitute in high school sports, his father was there at every game and never complained to the coaches, not once. When his granddaughter graduated from college two years ago, her 96-year-old grandfather insisted on buying her a class ring out of his limited income.
Hard working men like L.L. Boyd have little time for hobbies, though he did love the occasional fishing trips and dove hunts. Most of his free time was spent in church, where he rarely missed a Sunday School class or a morning sermon. For more than fifty years, he served as a member of the Lions Club. He was president
of the club and remained active, even when the club's membership dwindled down to three. Lion Boyd was there on the first day of the Allendale, S.C. Lions Club and fifty years or more as president. He sold light bulbs, brooms and candy on the streets and in homes to raise money for Lions Club projects. Several times Lion Boyd accepted the role as club president and was elected by his peers as Lion of the Year.

As a member of the Allendale Masonic Lodge, L.L. Boyd earned he way up the all degrees of the Masonic brotherhood, only to be forced into retirement when he moved to Georgia. For more than twenty five years, Boyd worked to attract doctors to practice in rural Allendale County.

When he wasn't doing any of the above, L.L. Boyd worked for the County Heart and Cancer Associations. By the way, he also served on the school board and town council.

At the age of ninety eight, L. L. Boyd considers every day a gift and so does his son Larry, who has his Daddy here for one more day.
Mr. Boyd will be the first to tell you all about his life, but he will also be the first one to tell you that he is not a special person and did nothing outstanding. He doesn't toot his own horn. All the things he did, whether for his family or for his community, he did out of love without questions, without complaints and without a moment of selfishness.

During this American History month, let us salute L.L. Boyd and the many folks like him, who serve their community with their time, expertise and devotion, often with little or no pay - monetary that is - just for the love of his fellow man. And, in the end, that is what we as Americans should all be about.

QUINTEZ SMITH

Shaw University cornerback Quintez Smith, the CIAA's Defensive Player of the Year, was named First Team All-America by both the American Football Coaches Association and Daktronics, Inc. Wednesday.


The senior out of Dublin, Georgia is the first Shaw player named to the AFCA's All-America squad. The AFCA squad has been selected by college football coaches since 1945.

Smith received the highest number of votes among cornerbacks in the Daktronics selection, which is made by sports information directors of NCAA Division II members. This is the 17th year for the poll.

The honors are piling up for Shaw. In addition to being named the CIAA's defensive player of the year and the dual all-America selections, he was named to the East Coast Bowl and the HBCU Bowl, which will pit players from the CIAA and MEAC against players from the SIAC and SWAC Dec. 19 in Montgomery, Alabama.

During the 2009 season, Smith tied a Division II record when he intercepted and returned four passes for touchdowns. He finished the year tied for first in Division II with nine picks. He accumulated 302 return yards, made 49 tackles and recovered two fumbles for scores as well, leading Shaw to a record of 8-2 (5-2 in CIAA).

In the first week of the season, against Elizabeth City State, he set a new Division II single-game record with 194 interception return yards and set the single-game mark of three interceptions returned for touchdowns.

@ Examiner.com

Smith, the AA 2002 defensive player of the year,  led the Dublin Irish (14-1) to the championship game of AA in 2002.  He led the team to its first Georgia Dome victory over Laney.

JACK WALKER

BACK WHERE HE BELONGS

Jack Walker’s heart is where his home is. And, that home is right here in Dublin, Georgia. If you ask him, he will probably tell you he’’d rather be in his home town enjoying life with his family and friends than living and working in New York or Hollywood. No longer does he dream of being a movie star. Today, Jackson Walker dreams of great movie roles and seeing Dublin growing into an even more wonderful place to live.

"I'm proud of Dublin. I was born here and I'll probably die here. Hopefully, a long time from now," he aid.Walker wants to see Dublin grow and offer more of what people expect of a quaint southern town. He would like to see that aggressiveness directed towards more progressive ideas.

"Accomplishing progressive ideas while maintaining the quaint charm of a southern town is attractive to everyone and could help Dublin become a place that people want to return to or retire to," Jack added.
When Jack and his family returned from the fast paced life in Hollywood, he had a dream. And, that dream was to build downtown Dublin into a place where people, not only locals, but travelers as well, wanted to come to. "We need businesses like The Freckled Frog, a hair salon, boutiques etc. to move there," Jack maintains.His first fun project was to open The Blackbird, a coffee shop with a personal touch, and not just another cookie cutter Starbucks in a plain space. "Old buildings provide something you cannot get anywhere else in town," the former architect said. "I think I helped to start something great,”” but regretfully added, "I just couldn't afford to hang on long enough for it to catch on."

Promoters of downtown Dublin will tell you that the current wave of revitalization efforts are due in a big part to Jack’’s investment and dedication to his dream. "I've heard that a few times recently, that I started something downtown. I hope that's true because that would be something I would be proud of," he adds. Happy with what is going on downtown, Jack credits Josh Nichols,Morris Bank, and Townsend Funeral home for their efforts in improving the new commercial viability which evolved from the opening of the Blackbird."I would like to be more involved in the revitalization efforts of downtown Dublin. Though owning a business requires a lot of time and makes it a bit difficult," Walker says."I'm going to do what I can."

In "Madea Goes to Jail"






"Brutal" is the word Jack uses to describe balancing his business interests with his acting career. With a flood of new opportunities, Walker wants to take advantage of a surge in his film roles, but at the same time wants to be involved in operating his businesses here by adding, "Regardless, we won't be moving away from Dublin. This is home and we love it here." Being not far from Atlanta and through the use of technology, Jack plans to continue a dual career. "I do some auditions at home on video and email them to casting directors for different projects. It takes all the awkward part out of the audition process," as he relates how hard it is to be away from home, believing that he would have more time with his kids than if he were living in New York or LA.

With Forest Whitaker, right, in "The Great Debaters."

With no less than seven films being released in 2009, this year has been a breakout one for Walker, who sees the doubling of his lifetime roles as a fluke. "It's unheard of to do this many films in a year especially in this market. I know that because from November until this mid July I have done nothing at all in film," he added. Walker credits his increase in work to his appearance as a pig farmer in The Great Debaters. "That film propelled me to a different level. Both Madea Goes To Jail and The People vs. Leo Frank happened specifically as a result of Debaters," said Walker, who, in Tyler Perry’’s latest Madea movie, portrayed Mr. Brackman, an amoral employer who gets his just deserts from co-star Keshia Knight Pulliam, of Cosby Show fame.

In three of this year’s roles, Jack Walker portrays historical characters. In the PBS production of We Shall Remain, Jack portrays Daniel Ross, a Scottish trader and the father of future Creek Indian chief, John Ross. "I was speaking Cherokee with a Scottish accent. I am fortunate that no one knows what that should sound like," Jack said in relating his fortune in part of a challenging and rewarding project. The film is available for viewing on the American Experience web site. In PBS’s The People vs. Leo Frank, Jack plays the role of John Black, the lead detective in the investigation of Leo Frank, an employee of an Atlanta pencil factory, who was convicted of the brutal child murder of Miss Mary Phagan in 1913. He enjoyed the experience of portraying a real person, though he was the one who bungled the investigation, thereby causing a lot of trouble. The movie is scheduled to premiere on PBS in February 2010.

In the role of Terry Walker, a real life hero, Jack Walker (no relation) took on the role of a Carroll County, Georgia man, who with his father find a missing toddler Joe Simpkins. In June of this year, Walker hosted a premiere of the film at Theater Dublin, a red carpet event attended by many of the movie’’s actors and the real persons they portrayed.

Perhaps Walker’s most notable 2009 role comes with the release of The Final Destination Four, which is scheduled to run in Dublin. In the action packed 3D horror film, Jack portrays Jonathan "The Cowboy" Groves, one of the film’’s many characters who actually die twice.

In the end, Jack Walker has learned that you can make a movie in your own back yard. Not really, but he starred as Rusty Rozier in 12 FL OZ., written and directed by Dublin native Dalton Harpe and scheduled to be shown on the film festival circuit very soon. Shot in Dublin and Dexter on a shoestring budget, "the movie is dark allegory of the spiritual journey of some very angry people, " in the words of Walker, who added, "I can't wait to hear the audience reactions. I expect to hear everything from hate to love. No one will emerge without an opinion."

Jack Walker loved the challenge of playing the racist in The Great Debaters, finding the role as a challenge in its body position, walk and dialect. His favorite character so far is a short film produced by the Doorpost Film Project as a metaphor for rescuing abused and neglected children. In the film due to be released on the studio’’s web site in September, Jack plays the role of a man who wakes up next to his burning car in purgatory, where he finds a little girl who helps guide him through to the other side, only to ultimately rescue her.

As the Hero in "Awake O'Sleeper"








Jack Walker can’t see very far into his future. "Life is never what we plan so I will be surprised at whatever it delivers," Jack said. Though he hopes to continue doing great roles in TV and film and do them more often, he has put aside his youthful dreams of being a star. "Having children, being in love, experiencing incredible loss, loving a community, all of that changes things.

Poster from "That's Magic"

















I have always loved the craft of acting and film making but now I'm free to pursue and to fail," he related. In the meanwhile, Jack Walker and his family are back home, happy with life, and right where they belong.

IMAGENE STEWART

Thanksgiving Celebration Warms the Hearts of Less Fortunate


Regional

By Ben Koconis - Special to the Informer

Thursday, December 03, 2009 06:41 PM

Bishop Imagene Stewart Provided Food, Fun for the District’s Poor

Bishop Imagene Stewart was in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day boiling chicken gizzards for giblet gravy, stirring industrial-sized pots of string beans and keeping a watchful eye over the turkeys.



Bishop Imagene Stewart, right, shares a laugh with several volunteers in her home in Northeast on Thanksgiving Day as she prepares to feed the homeless in her Northeast neighborhood. Stewart, who has held the annual Thanksgiving Day feeding program for 45 years, said this year may be her last. Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

The stalwart for the District’s poor hosted her 45th annual Thanksgiving dinner in Northeast to ensure that those who would not otherwise enjoy a turkey dinner feasted on a home-cooked meal with all the trimmings.



About 20 volunteers showed up at the House of Imagene, a shelter for battered women at 6th Street and Florida Avenue, early Thu., Nov. 26; to help bake turkeys, carve hams, set up tables and to ensure that the music jibed with the community members who turned out in droves to participate in the Thanksgiving Day festivities.



“We are all just regular people coming to help out,” Stewart said. “You better be nice because you don’t know when your day is coming.”



Stewart, 67, a self described “Georgia Peach” known for her warm heart and charismatic personality grew up in Dublin, Ga., but moved to the District in the 1960s. Early on she was a victim of domestic violence and understands the consequences of life on the street for women and their children. Today, she’s a staple in the District’s social services community.



Since 1972, Stewart has run the House of Imagene, Shelter and Women’s Center. Each year the soft-spoken minister hosts annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Day dinners for the District’s less fortunate. Stewart has received numerous awards for her humanitarian efforts and has been acknowledged by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.



Wayne Ireland, Stewart’s son, a 51- year -old builder who lives in Northeast, said that he has helped his mother to organize the Thanksgiving Day dinners for the past 15 years. Ireland said that he and his mother worked all night to prepare for this year’s celebration.



“We have been cooking for what seems like forever,” he said.



Ireland has fond memories of past Thanksgiving dinners.



“People always come with big smiles on their faces. You are always smiling when your stomach is full,” Ireland said.



Harvey Hall, a 61-year-old friend of Stewart, has shown up to volunteer for the past 12 years. This year was no exception. It’s one of his traditions.



“I love it around here. There’s good music, good food and good people,” he said.

Hall said that in the past, Stewart has served Thanksgiving dinner to more than 200, this year, due to the economic downturn; he was certain that other charities also pitched in and served dinners to the less fortunate.



The Northeast resident said folks are experiencing difficulty trying to make ends meet nowadays.



“It is hard times. The older you get the harder it is. It doesn’t matter what kind of trade you’re in.”



Hall, Stewart and other guests danced much of the morning away; they listened to the Godfather of Soul, James Brown and Chicago crooner Tyrone Davis compliments of Lucius McInnis, a local disc jockey from Maryland.



“This is my way of contributing,” said McInnis. McInnis said that he brings [Tyrone] Davis’s music every year because its Stewart’s favorite.



Volunteer Thandi Myeni, a 33-year old ophthalmologist who hails from Swaziland, Africa but who now lives in the District came out with her girlfriend to lend a hand.



“I think it is great when individuals take it upon themselves to make a difference. We have an obligation to help the less fortunate,” she said.



Although much of Thursday’s Thanksgiving celebration was positive and upbeat, Stewart expressed her concern for society’s lack of interest in social causes.

Stewart said people like herself are a dying breed. “The youth just are not interested.”



“The atmosphere has changed,” she said. “People think they have arrived -- everyone wants to go to Harvard University, but people who go to Harvard also get sick and die. Many people who thought they were doing ok are now coming over here to eat. There is no such thing as doing all right. You never know what tomorrow may bring,” Stewart said.



Donaye Fleming, a 16- year -old student who attends Suitland High School in Forestville, Md., served plates to guests during the event.



She agrees with Stewart about the indifference of youth.



“I don’t think people my age appreciate things like this. People should try it. It will change the way you think,” Donaye said.

Stewart who recently suffered a stroke said that she isn’t sure how long she can continue her annual dinner.



“This may be one of the last years,” she said.



For further information on volunteer opportunities or to make a donation to Bishop Stewart’s ministries, visit www.houseofimagene.org.

DEMARYIUS THOMAS

Demaryius “Bay Bay” Thomas, former star West Laurens star was named to the 2009 All-ACC First Team.   Thomas, an NFL prospect in the 2010 draft, was named to the NCAA Division I, All American third team.  Thomas so far this season has accumulated 1,077 yards season, 4th most in Georgia Tech history, on 44 receptions. His 24.5 yds. per reception leads the ACC and the nation (more than 30 receptions). In his career, Thomas has average 19.169 yards per reception (118/2262).

The junior receiver is 2nd in Tech history for a single game reception total with 230 in 2008.

Thomas is poised to become the all time Georgia Tech leader in yards per reception per game in a single season and a career as well as setting the record for most yards receiving in a career and a season with one final bowl game to be played.