Sunday, May 10, 2009
A+E, Food, Life, In this Issue..., Style, Atlanta
Reader's Choice
Sunday Best 2009
Sports
BEST LOCAL PRO ATHLETE
MATT RYAN
BEST LOCAL PRO COACH
MIKE SMITH
THE LOWDOWN: Considering the straits their predecessors left us in, the bar wasn’t set all that high for the Falcons’ rookie head coach and quarterback last year. But Smith’s no-nonsense, lunch-pail mentality and Ryan’s gracious, humble demeanor won the hearts of the team’s jaded fans pretty quickly—and that was before the Birds defied everyone’s expectations with a confident 11-5 season.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Chipper Jones (athlete); Bobby Cox (coach)
BEST LOCAL PRO TEAM
ATLANTA BRAVES
THE LOWDOWN: John Smoltz is wearing another team’s uniform. Tom Glavine is a question mark. All-Star catcher Brian McCann’s got vision problems. And Skip and Pete are no longer in the booth. Truly, the Braves have proven that the only constant in baseball is change. Which is also a good thing, as it means the team’s postseason fortunes are due for a tune-up. Got that, Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami and Javier Vasquez?
THE RUNNER-UP: Atlanta Falcons
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: The Atlanta Steam (now-departed lingerie football team)
Al Messerschmidt/Getty ImagesBEST LOCAL COLLEGE TEAM
GEORGIA FOOTBALL
BEST LOCAL COLLEGE COACH
MARK RICHT
THE LOWDOWN:
The makeup of Georgia’s football team has changed considerably, and right now, no one’s forecasting a national championship with Joe Cox under center and a secondary in rebuilding mode. But don’t count these dogs out yet. An underdog mindset could be just the ticket for Mark Richt, who has yet to notch a losing season (he’s 88-22 in eight seasons as head coach). Besides, as any diehard fan will tell you: The Bulldogs don’t regroup. They reload.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Georgia Tech football (college team); Paul Johnson (coach)
BEST LOCAL COLLEGE ATHLETE
KNOWSHON MORENO
THE LOWDOWN: The former UGA running back signed with the Denver Broncos less than a month ago, so you can forgive our readers for still feeling as if Moreno’s part of the Georgia roster. The New Jersey native certainly left his mark during his two years between the hedges: SP staffers are still talking about that vertical hurdle over a Central Michigan player last fall (you can check it out on YouTube).
THE RUNNER-UP: Matthew Stafford
Mike Zarrilli/Getty ImagesBEST LOCAL MASCOT
UGA VII
THE LOWDOWN: Given his predecessor’s popularity, the seventh pup to represent Georgia’s Bulldogs had some impressive doggie booties to fill. But not only does the newest Uga project the gruffness and tenacity we’ve come to expect—he’s downright cute, as well.
THE RUNNER-UP: Buzz (Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets)
BEST BOWLING ALLEY
MIDTOWN BOWL
THE LOWDOWN: Not all bowling alleys are created equal—especially not Midtown Bowl, which is known not just for its lanes but also for its fully stocked bar, expansive food menu and chipper atmosphere. Expect a variety of bowlers—and a lot of them—as this alley has been a preferred spot for Atlantans since 1960.
THE BASICS: 1936 Piedmont Circle NE. 404-874-5703. www.midtownbowl.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: 300 Atlanta
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
BOBBY JONES GOLF COURSE
THE LOWDOWN: Situated in the heart of Buckhead along Peachtree Battle Creek, this course named for the local legend of golf offers views of the city skyline along its tree-lined holes. Built in 1932, this public course is as scenic as it is affordable.
THE BASICS: 384 Woodward Way. 404- 355-1009.
www.bobbyjones.americangolf.com.
THE
RUNNER-UP: Stone Mountain Golf Club
BEST PRIVATE GOLF COURSEANSLEY GOLF CLUB
THE LOWDOWN: The private Ansley Golf Club offers members a classy nine-hole course adjacent to the club facilities in Midtown. It also has an 18-hole championship course in Roswell.
THE BASICS: 196 Montgomery Ferry Drive. 404- 875-1687.
www.ansleygolfclub.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Augusta National
BEST TENNIS COURTSATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB
THE LOWDOWN: With a world-class facility, this north Fulton club has hosted a variety of championship events. Members enjoy the same great outdoor clay courts and indoor courts at their leisure.
THE BASICS: 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek. 770-448-2166.
www.atlantaathleticclub.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Piedmont Park
Scott Cunningham/Getty ImagesBEST SPORTS VENUE
PHILIPS ARENA
THE LOWDOWN: We suspect our readers chose the home of the Hawks, the Thrashers and the WNBA’s Dream for its easy accessibility (especially via MARTA) and the plethora of post-game drinking and dining options within walking distance. We love the communal vibe of a Thrashers game and the many celebrity-spotting opportunities at a Hawks game.
THE BASICS: 1 Philips Drive. 404-878-3000.
www.philipsarena.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Turner Field