Sports physicals are good exams for clearing students to participate in sports, but this represents only a part of a student's total health. It is important to also address the physical, social and emotional well-being of children. This can only be accomplished through the full well-child checkup.

Given that the intent of the proposed rule is to improve children's health, the State Board of Education still recommends that athletes in these two grades get the comprehensive well-child checkup/EPSDT screen. This checkup should be done by the athlete's primary care providerhis is the doctor or nurse practitioner who takes care of them when they are sick and when they need a checkup.

The Interscholastic Sports Examination Form is the only form needed for these students. TSSAA is accepting this form for these students (and TSSAA will accept this form for students in any other grade as well). Although the comprehensive EPSDT/well-child checkup is recommended, it is not required that athletes have this box checked on their clearance form.

You can download the form from the TSSAA website (http://www.tssaa.org/Forms/forms.htm#Physical) or the TN Department of Health (http://health.state.tn.us/Downloads/sportsphysicalform.pdf).

SEVIERVILLE – The Tennessee Smokies received a very rude homecoming from the Montgomery Biscuits in being dealt a 9-6 loss in front of 3,425 fans at Smokies Park on Tuesday night.  Despite out-hitting the Biscuits fifteen to thirteen, the Smokies dropped to 18-14 for the second half of the season, but remained in first place in the North Division. After the Biscuits jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, the Smokies fought back with three runs of their own to take the lead back.  Jake Fox smacked his 11^th home run of the season, a towering shot to left field, to tie the game at 2-2.  Doug Deeds, who was four for five from the plate tonight, and then singled in the next at bat.  Welington Castillo delivered with at double down the left field line to score Deeds and give the Smokies a 3-2 lead.                         Esmailin Caridad (4-2) got the start for the Smokies and held the lead through the second inning, but ran into all kinds of trouble in the third and fourth.  Caridad did not get much help in the field, as two costly Smokies errors allowed two runs to score and gave the Biscuits the lead back at 5-3.  In the fourth, Caridad gave up a two-run home run off the bat of Rashad Eldridge, his first of the season, to stake Montgomery to a 7-3 advantage.                   Biscuits starting pitcher Jino Gonzalez (2-3) settled down after a rough first inning to earn the win despite giving up ten Smokies hits.  Tennessee was not able to get the timely hit that they needed to get a rally going tonight, as they stranded thirteen base runners on the evening.  The Smokies were able to mount a small rally in the bottom of the ninth down 9-4 by plating a couple of runs.  But Sam Fuld popped out to end the game representing the tying run to give the Biscuits the early series advantage. Fox drove in two runs and scored three times on the night, Castillo went three for five on the night, with Fuld and Nate Spears each collecting two hits apiece.  The Smokies will look to even the score against the Biscuits on Wednesday night at Smokies Park with game time set at 7:15 pm.  Tennessee will look to right-hander Grant Johnson (1-2, 8.24) tomorrow night as Montgomery will send left-hander David Price (4-0, 2.03) to the mound.  The five-game series will continue through Saturday July 26^th, with all game times set for 7:15 pm.    

SEVIERVILLE - The 6th Annual Sports Medicine Cup Golf Tournament was held at Sevierville's Eagles Landing Golf course on July 17. Thirty-two teams participated in this year's tournament. The winning score of 17 under par was shared by three teams and determined by a score card play-off. Winning first place at the event was the team from McGaha Electric, the team from Rob Stevens Excavating finished second, and the team from Sevier County Bank finished third. In the Second flight, Five Oaks Development finished first, carding a 62 followed by Workshop Tools and Brookside Resort both also carding 62. The biggest winner of the day however was Tony Funderburg who hit a hole in one on a prize hole - Hole 17. The hole-in-one came on the par three playing 178 yards. The "ace" won him a 16 foot Triton Bass Boat sponsored by Minor's Marine of Morristown. Minor's Marine has sponsored the Bass boat for a hole-in-one for the past six years. Tony Funderburg commented on his win "First, I want to thank Scott Byrd and his staff with Fort Sanders Sevier Sports Medicine. They do a great job for the area schools and put on a great golf tournament. I also want to thank Minor's Marine for providing the boat. It's one thing to hit a hole-in-one, but to hit one and win a boat is pretty special." Greg Roach, manager of Minor's Marine, who played during the morning round of the tournament was excited for Funderburg's win, "We enjoy sponsoring and participating in the Sports Medicine Cup event each year and are pleased that Mr. Funderburg was able to hit the hole-in-one. Scott [Byrd], Fort Sanders Sevier and Eagle's Landing provide an outstanding tournament each year. This is what we enjoy doing; we sponsor and have given away boats at Bass fishing events and now a golf tournament. This is great for the local golfing community that a local golfer hit a hole-in-one, at a local course, to win the boat. Again we are very excited for everyone who was involved, especially Mr.Funderburg."

The Tennessee Smokies are back in town to play a five game set against the Montgomery Biscuits, beginning on Tuesday July 22nd. This homestand features many unique and exciting promotions. Tuesday, July 22nd vs. Montgomery Biscuits at 7:15 PM Pilot Prize Night returns to Smokies Park! Fans can get a Pilot prize card for a chance to win many prizes from Pilot Food Mart, including $100 in free gas! Tuesday night is Sevier County Night brought to you by Dana’s Golden Leaf Tanning Salon & Boutique. Fans who live or work in Sevier County will receive $2 off their game day purchase of a field level or bleacher seat with proof of residence or employment. Faith Based partners of Sevier County present a Faith and Family night on Tuesday as well. Wednesday July 23rd vs. Montgomery Biscuits at 7:15 PM Wednesday night is Jefferson/Hamblen County Night sponsored by Citizen Tribune. Those who live or work in these counties will receive $2 off of their game day ticket purchase of a field level or bleacher seat with proof of residency or employment. We will also be showcasing a fan favorite in “Buck Night” where you can receive $1 hot dogs, ice cream, small Pepsi, and programs. Thursday July 24th vs. Montgomery Biscuits at 7:15 PM Thursday is a great night to be a kid at Smokies Park! Kids Eat Free with a paid child’s admission courtesy of Star 102.1. Kids also get to run the bases after the game courtesy of Shoney’s. Everyone is a winner with Pilot Prize Night! Fans have a chance to win many different prizes from a Pilot Food Mart, including free gas! Every Thursday home game Knox County residents and workers will receive $2 off field level and bleacher seats will proof of residence or employment. Thursday night also brings Citizens National Bank to the park in an attempt to give money away with their “Money Grab” promotion. Friday, July 25th vs. Montgomery Biscuits at 7:15 PM Friday will be a fun filled night starting with the 2008 Team Photo Giveaway, sponsored by US Cellular and United Printers of Knoxville. Friday night will also feature Light the Night presented by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Birdzerk will be on hand to provide between inning entertainment with his zany antics. The game will be followed by a professional fireworks display presented by Pepsi, Coors Light, WIVK and WVLT TV-8. Saturday, July 12th vs. West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx at 7:15 PM Saturday Night is Golf Umbrella Giveaway courtesy of Comcast and WBIR TV-10. The first 1,500 fans receive a free golf umbrella. Two hundred lucky fans have a chance to roll the dice. Spell Harley on the dice and win a new 2008 Harley from Knoxville Harley Davidson.

Huntsville, AL- The Tennessee Smokies (45-58, 18-12) snapped a three game slide to the Huntsville Stars (58-42, 17-13), by winning 7-3 at Joe W. Davis Stadium Sunday night in front of 1,532. The win gives Tennessee a one game lead for first in the Southern League North division over the Stars.  The Smokies tagged a pair of two-run homeruns in the third inning for an early 4-0 advantage. Sam Fuld followed a Mark Holliman single by launching a missile of the right field wall. Jake Fox then singled with two outs and Blake Lalli crushed another ball to right and out of the park.  Mark Holliman was fantastic in the start going 5 innings of shutout baseball. He would issue a walk along with four strikeouts.  Tennessee added to their lead in the sixth. Fuld singled with two outs and scored on a Nate Spears double.  Lorenzo Cain helped get Huntsville on the board. He tripled past a diving leftfielder Jake Fox. Cain scored on an Alcides Escobar groundout to short.  The Stars took advantage of four walks in the eighth inning which plated two more runs to make the score 6-3.  Fox then celebrated his 27th birthday in style by connecting on a solo homerun in the ninth.  Tennessee will return home for a five-game set against the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday July22nd through Saturday July 26th. All game times are set for 7:15 pm.

Huntsville, AL- The Tennessee Smokies (44-57, 17-11) fall to the Huntsville Stars (57-41, 16-12), 6-4 at Joe W. Davis Stadium Thursday night in front of 5,818. The loss drops the Tennessee first place in the Southern League North division over the Stars to just one game.  Tyler Colvin singled home Matt Camp in the top of the first to steak Tennessee to an early 1-0 lead.  The Smokies scored again in the third inning with two outs. Doug Deeds doubled home Jake Fox from first base to extend the advantage to 2-0.  Huntsville rallied with two gone in the bottom of the third. They scored five runs included a game tying Angel Salome two-run double. Michael Garciaparra then singled home the go ahead runs making it 4-2. Freddy Parejo then singled home Garciaparra.  Deeds continued his hot hitting in the fifth inning. After Spears doubled to start the frame, he slammed a two-run homerun draw Tennessee within one run at 5-4.  Huntsville put another run up in the bottom of the fifth to make it 6-4.  James Russell(4-5) pitched just 2 2/3 innings in the start and allowed seven hits and five runs. He did not strikeout a batter and walked one in the loss.  David Welch improved on his league best winning percentage by recording his ninth win to just one loss. Welch went 5 innings allowing nine hits and four runs. He walked one batter and struck out two.  The Smokies and Stars play game four of the five game series Friday Night at Joe Davis in Huntsville. All Star Donnie Veal (4-6, 3.67) will start for the Smokies opposite Mike Jones (0-3, 7.09). Tennessee will return home for a five-game set against the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday July22nd through Saturday July 26th. All game times are set for 7:15 pm.

Huntsville, AL- The Tennessee Smokies (44-56, 17-10) fall to the Huntsville Stars (56-41, 15-12), 9-3 at Joe W. Davis Stadium Thursday night in front of 2,706. The loss drops the Tennessee first place lead back to two games in the Southern League North division over the Stars.  The Smokies scored the games first runs in the fourth inning. Tyler Colvin led off with a single and moved to second with one retired on a Doug Deeds infield hit. Welington Castillo then doubled them both home.  Tennessee didn't lead long. The Stars would score four times in the bottom of the fourth. With the bases loaded and no outs Cole Gillespie lofted a fly ball to centerfield that was lost in the twilight sky by Tyler Colvin. Michael Garciaparra then singled in the go ahead runs with two outs pushing the Stars ahead to stay.  Huntsville then added another four runs in the fifth to go up 8-2 and take control of the contest.  The Smokies and Stars play again Friday Night at Joe Davis in Huntsville. James Russell (4-4, 4.75) will start for the Smokies opposite David Welch (8-1, 3.53). Tennessee will return home for a five-game set against the Montgomery Biscuits on Tuesday July22nd through Saturday July 26th. All game times are set for 7:15 pm.

Maryville College Football will be hosting the 2008 East Tennessee seven on seven Perimeter Passing Day on Saturday, July 19th. Games will begin at ten o'clock in the morning and conclude by six o'clock in the evening. Twenty-five high schools have committed participate in the event which matches teams up into pools and allows each to practice their passing game for the upcoming season. Knoxville area schools include Alcoa, Greenback, Heritage, Loudon, Lenoir City, Clinton, South-Doyle, Grace Christian Academy, Greeneville, Seymour, Campbell County, McMinn Central, McMinn County, Claiborne County, Sunbright, Oakdale, and Knox Central. Other Tennessee schools include Cleveland, David Brainerd Christian School, Notre Dame, Chattanooga Central, Baylor, Father Ryan, and Upperman. Our Lady of Mercy from Georgia will also be in attendance. Admission for the event is $3.00 and concessions will be sold. Kessler's Sporting Goods and Anderson Lumber Company provided sponsorship for the event. The event has been organized in memory of Cody Bowers, a Maryville College football coach and alumnus who died tragically this fall.

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - Nate Spears drove in three runs and Esmailin Caridad pitched a strong game to lead the Smokies to a 9-3 win over the visiting West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. A boisterous crowd of 2,726 watched the Smokies improve to 15-7 for the second half of the season and solidify their position in first place in the North Division. Tennessee jumped on Diamond Jaxx starter Doug Fister (5-10) early in the contest, tagging him for six runs in the first three innings. In the first inning, Jake Fox got the scoring started with a two-run double Matt Camp and Tyler Colvin. In the second, Tennessee plated another run thanks to Kyle Reynolds' seventh home run of the season to make the score 3-0 Smokies. The Smokies touched up Fister for three more runs in the third, with Colvin smacking a triple to right field to lead off the inning. After an RBI single by Southern League All-Star Doug Deeds, Spears drilled his second home run of the season to give the Smokies a 6-0 early advantage. Caridad (3-1) cruised through the first five innings of work, allowing just four hits. He ran into a bit of trouble in the sixth, giving up back to back home runs both to deep center field off the bats of Johan Limonta and Adam Moore to pull West Tennessee to within 6-2. Darin Downs came on in relief of Caridad to end the threat in the sixth. West Tennessee was able to pull to within three runs in the top of the seventh, but Greg Reinhard came on in the seventh to shut the door on the threat. Reinhard would finish out the game on the mound to earn his fourth save of the season. He was aided by the Smokies offense in the bottom half of the seventh, as Tennessee would score an additional three runs to put the game out of reach. Sam Fuld connected with his second home run of the season to increase the lead, with Spears earning his third RBI of the night with a single to score Colvin. Spears, Fox, Colvin, and Deeds would all end the night with multiple hits. Tennessee will try to increase their winning streak to five games in a row against the visiting Diamond Jaxx on Thursday night at Smokies Park beginning at 7:15 pm. The Smokies will look to left-hander James Russell (3-4, 4.59) to lead the way against Diamond Jaxx righty Travis Chick (2-4, 4.41). The five game set will continue on through Saturday July 12th, with all game times at 7:15 pm.

Sevierville, Tennessee – The Southern League announced an addition to the upcoming All-Star Game in Zebulon, NC on Monday July 14th, with the Tennessee Smokies’ outfielder Doug Deeds earning a spot on the North Division All-Star squad. Deeds will replace Chattanooga Lookouts outfielder Shaun Cumberland, who was recently called up to Triple-A Louisville. Deeds has been with the Smokies all season, anchoring the right-field position in the outfield during that time. He has been the most consistent hitter on the squad during the 2008 season, and among the team leaders in home runs (7) and RBI (38) as well. Deeds currently ranks sixth in the league in batting average at a .320 clip, helping to spark the Smokies offense during their recent 2nd half turnaround. His season was highlighted by a ninth inning walk off home run with two out to propel the Smokies to a come from behind 6-5 win over the Huntsville Stars on July 2nd. 2008 Statistics: As of 7/8/08

PLAYER AVG   G  AB   R   H  2B  3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS  SLG  OBP  E

Deeds,D.320  78 256  46  82  20  3  7 38 30 62 6  1  .504 .390   3

Single-game tickets to all 10 Tennessee Titans home games at LP Field will go on sale this Saturday (July 12) at 10 a.m. (CST). Approximately 2,500 tickets for each game will be made available to the public. Fans can purchase a maximum of up to four tickets per game for as many as two games. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the ticket office at LP field, calling Ticketmaster at 615-255-9600, visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, or logging on to the Ticketmaster web site at: http://titans.ed10.net/r/C5TZ1I/I956/OQ7J61/15T/FJ4D/HK/t. Game tickets range from $36-73. The 2008 regular season schedule features home game against Jacksonville, Houston, Minnesota, Indianapolis, Green Bay, N.Y. Jets, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The Titans open the season at home against division rival Jacksonville on Sunday, Sept. 7. The Titans play preseason games at home against St. Louis (Aug. 9) and Oakland (Aug. 15). The Titans have sold out 93 consecutive home games since LP Field opened in 1999. Historically, the Titans have sold out the majority of single-game tickets within the first hour, including some games as fast as five minutes. Home games against Indianapolis (Monday Night Football), Green Bay, and Pittsburgh are expected to sell out first, according to Marty Collins, director of ticket operations for the Titans. Collins recommends trying a variety of ways to help secure tickets to your favorite Titans game. "If you have more than one person that can try to help purchase the tickets, try several sources at the same time," Collins recommended. "Try online and then maybe one of the ticket centers at Kroger's, Macy's or even down here at the LP Field ticket office early that morning." Some fans have developed a tradition at LP Field by camping out the night, or even several days, before the tickets officially go on sale. "We are thrilled to have them here," Collins stated. "They come back each and every year. We say the on-sale day is the start of the season for us. It kind of kicks off that day when fans start camping out the nights before. It says a lot for them to do that each and every year and we are thankful for that." Collins expects the number of consecutive sell-outs to increase to 103 and complements the team's fan base for its support over the last 10 years. "First and foremost, to our season ticket holders, it's a great credit," Collins said. "We have a huge season ticket base that has been faithful now for 10 years in renewing their season tickets. All the other fans that have not been able to purchase season tickets have been very loyal in buying other single-game tickets. We would not be successful without our fans."

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. Josh Lansford cracked a two run double in the bottom of the fifth, which led to a three running inning to power the Smokies to a 5-2 win over the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx. With the win, Tennessee improved to 14-7 for the second half of the season and remained in first place in the North Division. Lansford's double scored both Doug Deeds and Nate Spears in the bottom half of the fifth, giving the Smokies a 3-2 advantage. He originally looked to be bunting his way on base, and then changed his mind by ripping a 1-1 pitch down the left field line. The Smokies plated another run that inning when Lansford came around to score on a fielder's choice RBI by Matt Matulia. The Smokies offense got going early tonight, taking an early lead by scoring a run in the first inning. With Matt Camp on second, Tyler Colvin slapped a line drive to deep right center field off West Tenn starter Justin Thomas (5-6), ending up at third with an RBI triple to give Tennessee a 1-0 lead. The Diamond Jaxx struck back in the top of the fourth with two runs off Smokies pitcher Mark Holliman, with the main damage done by Mike Wilson as he crushed his 20th home run of the season. Matt Avery (2-1) came on in relief of Holliman in the fifth, and threw three scoreless innings while striking out three batters to earn the win. Tennessee was able to score an insurance run in the bottom half of the eighth to take a 5-2 lead. Welington Castillo got a two-out rally started with a single to right, followed by a Deeds single to right as well. Spears, recently named to the Southern League All-Star team, then cracked a single to center to score Castillo and give Tennessee a three-run cushion. Casey Lambert pitched a scoreless eighth, and then was pulled after one batter in the ninth for Rocky Roquet, who earned his second save of the season in putting the Jaxx away. Tennessee will look to make it two in a row against visiting West Tennessee on Wednesday night at Smokies Park beginning at 7:15 pm. The Smokies will look to right-hander Esmailin Caridad (2-1, 4.30) as he faces off against Diamond Jaxx righty Travis Chick (2-4, 4.41). The five game set will continue on through Saturday July 12th, with all game times at 7:15 pm.

Zebulon, NC- The Tennessee Smokies (40-50, 13-7) blew a six-run lead in the late innings but still were able to outlast the Carolina Mudcats (48-42, 10-10) in ten to win, 8-7 at Five County Stadium Monday afternoon in front of 3,912. Tyler Colvin doubled home Matt Camp in the games tenth inning to put Tennessee in front to stay. The win raises the Smokies first place lead to two-and-half games in the Southern League North division.  It didn't take long for the Tennessee bats to get started in a three run first. Matt Camp reached to lead off the inning with a bunt single and moved second on a throwing error. Matt Matulia followed with a bunt hit which placed runners and second and third. Tyler Colvin lined a sacrifice fly to right field scoring Camp. Jake Fox crushed a two-run homerun scoring Matulia.  Carolina got on the board in the bottom of the first. John Raynor slipped a homerun over the left-center field wall to make it 3-1.  Tennessee scored again in the second inning. Mark Reed doubled leading off and crossed home when Donnie Veal grounded out to third.  The Smokies added another three runs in the fifth. Matt Camp tripled home Veal who had drawn a walk, and scored on a Matulia single. Matulia would eventually touch home on a pass ball.  Donnie Veal pitched 5 2/3 innings in the start, and tallied 9 strikeouts on the day. He would yield only one run and a total of four hits with three walks.  The Mudcats battled back with a four-run seventh. Brett Hayes cracked a homerun leading off the inning. Then with one out pinch hitter Chris Coghlan walked. Raynor singled and Dante Brinkly drew another walk to load the bases. Gaby Sanchez doubled to right scoring two. Alberto Concepcion drove home another on a sacrifice fly.  Carolina completed the come back in the eighth. Andy Jenkins singled to start the inning. Grant Psomas then connected on his first homerun of the season. The two-run shot evened the score at 7-7.  The Mudcats loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth. Dante Brinkly doubled and Sanchez was hit by a pitch. Concepcion laid down a sacrifice bunt moving the runners into scoring position. Pitch hitter Brad Davis drew an intentional walk and the bags were full. Smokies reliever Casey Lambert (1-0) then struck out Jenkins and got Brett Hayes to pop out.  The Smokies carried the momentum from the bottom of the ninth to plate in the tenth. Matt Camp collected his third hit of the game leading off. He took second on a wild pitch and then third on a groundout. Colvin drove him home with a bullet down the right field line.  Jose Ceda retired the side in the bottom of the tenth for his fifth save.  Tennessee will return home for a five-game set against the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx on Tuesday July 8th through Saturday July 12th. All game times are set for 7:15 pm.

Zebulon, NC- The Tennessee Smokies (38-49, 11-6) took on the Carolina Mudcats (47-40, 9-8), from Five County Stadium in an Independence Day Night showdown Friday Night in front of 8,769. The night was owned by the Mudcats Josh Johnson who was 2-for-3 at the plate with a homerun and three runs driven home, while shutting out Tennessee through eight innings in the start in a 6-0 win. The loss for Tennessee allowed Carolina to climb to within two games of their first place second half lead. The Smokies did not score a run for the second straight game and have gone eighteen innings without touching home. Mudcats All-Star first baseman Gaby Sanchez gave the sellout home crowd something to cheer about in the bottom of the first as he had an opposite field homerun. The line drive over the right field wall gave Carolina a 1-0 lead. Carolina added a second run in the third inning to push ahead 2-0. Pitcher Josh Joshson got things started with a double and would score on a single by Chris Coghlan. Josh Johnson would revisit the plate in the fourth inning and again touch up Caridad. He crushed a 1-2 pitch over the leftfield wall for a three-run homerun. The hit was only his second of the season and Carolina took a commanding 5-0. Esmailin Caridad pitched 5.2/3 innings in the start which resulted in his first loss of the season. Caridad allowed six runs on ten hits with three homeruns. He didn't walk a batter and had two strikeouts. Josh Johnson not only had a huge offensive game as a hitter, he was stellar in the start on the mound. Johnson pitched eight shutout innings with two walks and seven strikeouts. He was making a Major League Baseball rehab start and looked ready to head back to the Marlins. The Smokies and Mudcats play game two of the series Saturday evening at 6.15 from Five County Stadium. The Smokies radio broadcast begins fifteen minutes prior to first pitch on the Sports Animal, FM 99.1 & 99.3 & AM 990. Lefthander James Russell (3-3) will pitch for the Smokies and Willie Glen (4-2) gets the Mudcats nod. Tennessee will return home for a five-game set against the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx on Tuesday July 8th through Saturday July 12th. All game times are set for 7:15 pm.