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Water Damage Restoration in Columbus, GA
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Columbus State University in Columbus to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Columbus, GA is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Columbus. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Thurber House in Columbus, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Columbus.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Ed Davenport
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5395 Sugarloaf Parkway Suite 300 Lawrenceville, GA 30043
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Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Columbus, GA
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to The Woodlands of Columbus in Columbus for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Columbus, GA, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Columbus?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Goodale Park in Columbus. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Columbus, GA, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Shrum Mound in Columbus, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Columbus restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Columbus, GA, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Columbus, GA
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Columbus, GA, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a The Guild House in Columbus. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Columbus rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Columbus, GA
‘Back at home.’ Tuskegee vs. Morehouse returns to Columbus. Game, parade this weekend
Mike Haskeyhttps://www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports/college/football/article293422324.html
A historic rivalry between two college football programs has returned to Columbus in time to celebrate its 85th anniversary.The 85th Annual Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Football Classic is set to kickoff Saturday at 2 p.m. at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus. Other popular events associated with the game, including tailgating at South Commons next to the stadium and a parade before the game, have also returned.“We’re back at home, we’re back at home,” said Tuskegee head football coach Aaron James, &ld...
A historic rivalry between two college football programs has returned to Columbus in time to celebrate its 85th anniversary.
The 85th Annual Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Football Classic is set to kickoff Saturday at 2 p.m. at A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus. Other popular events associated with the game, including tailgating at South Commons next to the stadium and a parade before the game, have also returned.
“We’re back at home, we’re back at home,” said Tuskegee head football coach Aaron James, “So it’s been a long time, a long time coming.”
James was among several speakers at a luncheon Wednesday afternoon at the Columbus Civic Center hosted by the event’s organizing committee for the media, and area football coaches and players.
The game was a mainstay in the Chattahoochee Valley through the 2019 game, before moving to Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2021-2023 games.
The main purpose of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic is to raise money for scholarships to help young men and women go to college, according to the event’s website.
Classic Chairperson Lisa Goodwin is asking the community to support the schools and help raise the game’s profile by purchasing a ticket, and attending the game in person.
“The one thing that we have got to do is fill the stands,” Goodwin said. “And that’s not just from our universities, but from the community, the surrounding community.”
Goodwin said there’s an important change for tailgating this year: there’s a $5 entry fee to access the tailgating area, unless you have a game ticket, a classic pass or paid parking. Youth K-12 receive free entry, according to a banner at the main entrance of the Columbus Civic Center.
“That’s going to help offset some of things we need to do in order to send scholarship money to these schools,” Goodwin said.
Also returning is the 85th Annual Classic Parade. The Parade will begin at 9 a.m. in Phenix City at the corner of Broad and Dillingham streets, go north on Broad to 13th Street, cross the 13th Street bridge into Columbus, and then proceed down Broadway where it will finish at 9th Street.
More information is available on tusgekeemorehouse.com.
This story was originally published October 3, 2024, 1:42 PM.
Harris County native leads this Hurricane Helene relief effort for Asheville. How to help
Mark Ricehttps://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/weather-news/article293324629.html
As the executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, Hayden Plemmons’ job is to promote business and tourism for that western North Carolina city — not provide it hurricane relief.But that’s what this Harris County High School graduate has been doing this week in Columbus.Plemmons, whose last name was Harrison when she attended HCHS, evacuated...
As the executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, Hayden Plemmons’ job is to promote business and tourism for that western North Carolina city — not provide it hurricane relief.
But that’s what this Harris County High School graduate has been doing this week in Columbus.
Plemmons, whose last name was Harrison when she attended HCHS, evacuated from Asheville with her husband, Tim, and drove approximately 300 miles to her childhood home in Ellerslie on Friday night after Hurricane Helene hit.
When the storm made landfall at 11:10 p.m. Thursday in the Big Bend area of Florida, it was a Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds, and the forecast called for Columbus to be in its path of severe impact.
But by the time Helene crossed into Georgia early Friday morning as a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds, its path had shifted eastward. Although the storm caused some damage and brief power outages in the Columbus area, it was spared devastation. Instead, Helene produced widespread destruction and flooding, with more than 160 reported deaths, elsewhere in the Southeast, including Asheville, where it dumped 14 inches of rain.
“We made it out, by the grace of God,” Plemmons told the Ledger-Enquirer.
So she went from being worried about how Hurricane Helene would effect her hometown to seeking refuge there.
After they arrived in Harris County, she wanted to find a way to help Asheville. Plemmons realized, because of this storm, Columbus and Asheville now share more than both cities being destinations for whitewater adventure: While one community is grateful to escape Helene’s wreckage, the other is grateful for assistance.
All of which led to the establishment of River to River Relief, the Columbus area’s resource drive to aid Asheville’s recovery.
Plemmons and her team are collecting large-format water (jugs of 2-5 gallons), propane, batteries, body wipes, linens, hand sanitizer and paper/plastic products for meals.
“Clothing donations are not being accepted at this time,” she said, “as the focus remains on urgent essentials.”
Collection points are at:
For updates on donation drop-off locations, collection times and other ways to help River to River Relief, visit www.ashevilledowntown.org.
Plemmons requests anyone who has access to large vehicles that could be used to help deliver the supplies to email her at hayden@ashevilledowntown.org.
Plemmons said she and her husband are fortunate to live on a hill in Asheville, so their property wasn’t flooded. But her neighborhood had numerous fallen trees and lost water service and cellphone service.
“Honestly, we’re very blessed to have made it out before bridges started to collapse,” she said. “… We have a lot of folks (in Asheville) that are unaccounted for. Our city and our county are working as hard as humanly possible to get folks access to water.
“Our infrastructure for water was already pretty inferior for what we needed because of the growth that Asheville has experienced over the last few years, and they’re anticipating weeks — we’re hearing four to six weeks — before members of our community will get water back.”
Plemmons further described Hurricane Helene’s aftermath in Asheville.
“We’re talking about entire businesses and buildings being completely washed away, actually gone, and other businesses that are completely flooded,” she said. “We could only see rooftops. … It is catastrophic damage.”
To her knowledge, Plemmons said, none of the roughly 650 member businesses of the Asheville Downtown Association are able to operate.
“We’re looking at six to eight weeks for that,” she said. “… The River Arts District is decimated.”
Plemmons noted even relief organizations are hesitant to come to Asheville “because there’s no water for their own people. They don’t want to take resources away from others.”
Despite being in this job for only 18 months, Plemmons said she already has “fallen in love” with Asheville.
“The people of Appalachia are different,” she said. “They’re so special, and they really rally around one another.”
Now, she wants folks in the Chattahoochee Valley to rally around them. Plemmons is pleased with the Columbus area’s response so far.
“Super helpful,” she said. “… I’m proud to call both of these places home.”
This story was originally published October 2, 2024, 12:00 PM.
Follow more of our reporting on Stories shared from The Ledger-Enquirer’s Instagram account
October 02, 2024 1:08 PM
Verizon outage Georgia | Customers reporting issues with cell service. Where have issues been reported?
WMAZhttps://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/state/verizon-outage-georgia-verizons-website-outages-macon-atlanta-columbus-more/93-5cd4edd8-1a3f-4cad-ad33-02a510c356bb
Customers are reporting issues with their cellular services. Here's what Verizon's website says about potential outages in areas like Macon, Atlanta, Columbus, etc.Credit: APMACON, Ga. — Some Verizon customers are reporting outages and disruptions to service Monday morning, including here in Georgia.Right now, Verizon has not said much about what i...
Customers are reporting issues with their cellular services. Here's what Verizon's website says about potential outages in areas like Macon, Atlanta, Columbus, etc.
Credit: AP
MACON, Ga. — Some Verizon customers are reporting outages and disruptions to service Monday morning, including here in Georgia.
Right now, Verizon has not said much about what is causing the outage.
"We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers," Verizon said on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue."
The outage has put many cellular users in SOS mode, which is the mode phones go into when they can't connect to a wireless network. The issues have hit areas across the United States.
Here's a look at what Verizon's website says about outages in the metropolitan areas of Georgia as of noon Monday.
In Macon, Warner Robins and Dublin, Verizon says that there are still some lingering impacts to service due to Hurricane Helene. They say this is related to power outages and "extensive fiber damage" caused during the storm.
"Verizon is committed to keeping our customers connected and our crews will be out working until connectivity is fully restored," the company said.
There is a known outage in Atlanta affecting data, voice, text and wireless home internet services.
According to their website, the outage started just before 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.
Based on their own anticipated end time, they expect the issues to remain until just before 8:30 p.m. Monday evening
Verizon says there may be a potential network disruption in the Columbus area. Just before 2 p.m., the Verizon site says they are "aware of an issue impacting service for some customers."
The site says that it is mainly impacting wireless service and not data, voice, text or home internet as Atlanta reported.
They say they're "working quickly to identify and solve the issue." However, they don't offer a timetable for the issue being resolved.
There is a known outage in Valdosta, which dates back to the early hours Sept. 27.
That is around when Helene hit the Valdosta area.
They say data, voice, text and wireless home internet services are limited.
The good news, however, is that Verizon reports that service should be restored at around 2 p.m. Monday.
However, just before 2 p.m., Verizon reported that they were dealing with the same issues reported in Columbus, impacting customers' wireless services.
According to Verizon's website, Savannah is still facing lingering impacts from Hurricane Helene, as is the case in Macon.
Verizon is also reporting impacts to wireless service in Albany just before 2 p.m. The message is the same as the issue for Columbus.
As is the case in Columbus, they say they're working to resolve the issue but don't say when they think service will be restored.
Augusta is also still dealing with some network restoration issues stemming from Hurricane Helene, Verizon's website reports.
Related Articles
Harris County wins Georgia High School Association Class AAAA state softball championship
Mark Ricehttps://www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports/high-school/article294941404.html
The Harris County softball team had reached the state semifinals in each of the past two seasons, but the Tigers lost both times to the Northside Patriots, their Columbus-area rival, who went on to win those two straight championships.Saturday, with former Northside head coach Brandon Jenkins now guiding Harris County, the Tigers completed their climb to the top. They beat Eastside-Covington 8-0 in the final round of ...
The Harris County softball team had reached the state semifinals in each of the past two seasons, but the Tigers lost both times to the Northside Patriots, their Columbus-area rival, who went on to win those two straight championships.
Saturday, with former Northside head coach Brandon Jenkins now guiding Harris County, the Tigers completed their climb to the top. They beat Eastside-Covington 8-0 in the final round of the Georgia High School Association Class AAAA state tournament at South Commons in Columbus.
It is the HCHS softball program’s second state title. The Tigers won the Class AAA championship in 2000.
Harris County junior Riley Huckaby pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing five hits and no walks with three strikeouts. The starting lineup’s only two seniors, shortstop Lani Dansby and third baseman Linsley Brown, sparked the offense.
Dansby, who will play in college for Georgia Southwestern, hit a lead-off home run and followed with another homer in the second inning. She finished 2-for-4 with three RBI. Brown, who will play in college for North Georgia, went 3-for-3 with a double and RBI.
“It was just a really good day,” Huckaby told the Ledger-Enquirer. “It’s really exciting. I’m really glad that we finally won. I think everything clicked together, and we just all really played as a team.”
Huckaby noted the support she received from her teammates helped her relax and focus on her pitching.
“I just felt like, with the runs we were able to produce, we were in a good spot, as long as I did my job on the mound,” she said. “I’m really proud of our defense. I didn’t strike out too many batters, but every time the ball was in play, I just knew that I was going to get the help I needed.”
Reflecting on what enabled these Tigers to break through this year after getting so close to the title the previous two seasons, Huckaby said, “I think we all just kind of jelled together more as a team, honestly, and we just trusted the whole process, and we all bought into everything that we were taught.”
Jenkins taught the Tigers “a bunch of new drills” and “noticed who needed to be where,” Huckaby said. But the ability to finally prevail over Northside in the state tournament perhaps was boosted by losing to the Patriots in the regular season.
After edging the Patriots 7-6 at home Aug. 15, the Tigers lost 5-1 at Northside on Sept. 19.
However, instead of chewing out the players, Jenkins compassionately told them they didn’t play well but he still loves them and wouldn’t want to coach anybody else.
“It was a pretty big turning point,” Huckaby said. “We all kind of thought we were going to get yelled at. But when he said that, we were all like it’s just nice to know that he wasn’t mad at us and he didn’t regret his decision. … That kind of brought us closer together.”
The Tigers (34-3) went undefeated through this double-elimination tournament featuring eight Class AAAA teams. They beat Ola 3-2 Wednesday, Eastside 7-4 Thursday and Northside 9-0 Friday.
Jenkins told the Ledger-Enquirer he appreciates his assistant coaches, who also were new to the program, and the players for “buying into everything we were teaching them. For everything to come full circle, it’s pretty awesome.”
Before the tournament, Jenkins reminded the players they had put in the hard work, starting with offseason workouts in January, to prepare and deserve this chance for a state championship.
Then he told them, “Everybody at this level in the Elite Eight is talented and good enough to win. So it comes down to who wants it more.”
Jenkins acknowledged his sometimes-loud and aggressive coaching style would have been a “huge adjustment” for the players. That’s why he toned down his approach early in the season — especially after the loss to Northside.
“You have to earn their trust as a coach,” he said. “Once you get that trust, they’ll do anything for you. … These girls, they’ll run through a wall for you now.”
Harris County athletics director Mindy Johnson described the impact Jenkins has made on the HCHS softball program since he left Northside after three state titles in 11 seasons with the Patriots.
“His coaching experience is second to none,” Johnson told the Ledger-Enquirer in a text message. “He has the ability to be very strategic in all of his coaching decisions. He has assembled a top-notch coaching staff and has the ability to trust their coaching decisions and build them up.”
Johnson also is impressed with the player development under Jenkins’ tutelage.
“Not only does he develop the player but the individual student-athlete and teaches them through softball the game of life,” she said. “Coach Jenkins also faces issues head on. He has established a strong and steady atmosphere and has built the beginnings of a team culture that is sure to continue year to year. He has led us extremely well to a state championship, and I could not be more proud.”
This story was originally published November 2, 2024, 5:25 PM.
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Ledger-Enquirer staff writer Mark Rice covers education and other issues related to youth. He also writes feature stories about any compelling topic. He has been reporting in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley for more than a quarter-century. He welcomes your local news tips and questions.
Georgia Election Results 2024
Nicole Sandershttps://www.wrbl.com/news/politics/your-local-election-hq/georgia-election-results-2024/
GEORGIA (WRBL) — A number of notable races are on the ballot for 2024. You can view the latest Georgia results as they come in below:Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Read Next > ...
GEORGIA (WRBL) — A number of notable races are on the ballot for 2024. You can view the latest Georgia results as they come in below:
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Recent Columbus Forecast Updates
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