Potential Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 40

Prattville Christian Academy Athletic Director Named to National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Board ACA 5K “Sweetheart Run” Alabama Christian Academy and local business Montgomery Multisport partnered together to host the first annual 5K “Sweetheart Run.” The event was held to help support ACA athletics and the band program. Funds raised will be used to improve athletic facilities, including the game field and practice/ marching fields. Over 150 runners and countless volunteers helped make this event a huge success. ACA student Tristan Smith was the overall winner in the male division and Presley Miles was the overall winner in the female division. Tara Osborne, Prattville Christian Academy’s athletic director, was named to the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) board of directors at the 47th National Athletic Directors Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. She, along with fellow board members, represent 10,000 NIAAA members across the country and world. Osborne is one of the few female AD’s in the industry but that doesn’t stop her from achieving the most in her profession. As a NIAAA board member, she will represent Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana and Mississippi during her three-year appointment. “Osborne is a Christ-like example for her coaches, players and the entire PCA community,” said Rebecca Thomas, PCA’s marketing and communications director. “She will no doubt be a shining light for PCA, the Prattville community and our state during her tenure.” “The board is comprised of the most amazing group of volunteers who are truly the ‘best of the best’ our interscholastic school programs have to offer,” said Tara Osborne, PCA athletic director. “The engagement and focus of this group is exciting to be associated with; I’m very humbled to have the opportunity to work with them over the next three years.” Zachary Van Alst Claims AHSAA Wrestling State Championship Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School senior Zachary Van Alst claimed his sixth consecutive Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) wrestling state championship on Saturday, February 18 in Huntsville at the Von Braun Center this year, capturing the title in the Class 1A-5A, 138-pound weight class. Van Alst finished the 2017 season undefeated with an impressive record of 67-0, and finished his career as a Catholic Knight with a record of 300-12. To top it off, Van Alst became the third person in AHSAA history to accomplish six consecutive State wrestling titles over the weekend. In his six-year career at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, Van Alst has won five sectional titles to go along with his six state championships while recording that impressive overall career record of 300-12 . He was joined in Huntsville by his teammates, freshmen Jack Burt and Jason Flowers. Burt made his second appearance at a State meet at 132-pounds and Jason Flowers made his State Tournament debut at 106 pounds. The Knights are coached by head coach Coy Hunter and assistant coach David Parker. Zachary is the son of Jennifer and Bob Van Alst of Prattville. He has committed to wrestle for the Air Force Academy, continuing his career at the next level. Congratulations to the Knight Wrestling team! L16 | Summer 2017 www.potentialmagazine.com