By By Matthew Nascone
The city of Huntsville will be packed full with high school students from across the state of Alabama from July 10-14 and one of Atmore's own will be a part of all the madness.
Frank Taylor will represent Escambia County High School on the South team in the North vs. South basketball game during the Alabama High School Athletic Association All-Star Sports Week in Huntsville.
The weeklong event will have all-star games in baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer. The basketball game will be June 13 at 8 p.m.
"This means a lot to me because I am the first person in my family to be recognized like this," Taylor said.
Taylor and the South squad will take on the North squad in Spragins Hall, located on the campus of the University of Alabama at Huntsville.
ECHS head boy's basketball coach Jerome Antone said this is a great opportunity for Frank, but it is also good for the community.
"I believe this is the first time in about 15 years that a player from Atmore has been recognized at an event like this," Antone said. "This can put Atmore on the map and we should all be very proud of what Frank has accomplished. This means so much to all of us. I am trying to get my vacation time changed so that I can see the game. I want to be there for Frank because I feel like I need to be there for him."
Taylor said he knows that he is representing more than himself when he makes the trip north for the all-star game.
"I know this means a lot to a lot of people because Atmore is a small town and I want to represent this town well," Taylor said.
Antone has also offered a proposition for the community of Atmore. He said if 45 fans are willing to travel to Huntsville to watch Frank it would be possible to rent a bus.
"I hope we can get some of the folks around here to go and support one of their own," Antone said.
For more information on the trip contact Antone on his cell phone at (334) 545-4264.
Taylor will report to Huntsville June 10 and the teams will get one day of practice on June 11 before the game on June 13 at 8 p.m. The South squad will practice at Huntsville High School.
The girl's basketball game and volleyball game will also be played in Spragins Hall. Other venues for the event will be Joe Davis Stadium for the baseball game, John Hunt Park for the girl's and boy's soccer games and the Metro Kiwanis Sportsplex for the softball game.
Tickets are $5 per event.