WOLF ENCOUNTERS: Unfazed by the Blaze | All the conducting masterclasses

This week’s “Wolf Encounters” profile features University of West Georgia senior cornerback Ken Hale. “Wolf Encounters” is a weekly series that will run throughout the 2010 football season.

Saturday will provide somewhat of a surreal feeling for Ken Hale.

The University of West Georgia senior cornerback will return to Valdosta State University — the Wolves’ biggest rival — only to be on the visiting sidelines come the 2 p.m. Gulf South Conference kickoff.

It was just three seasons ago that Hale was enjoying a ride to a national championship with the Blazers — a tremendous experience and accomplishment — but it proved to be a run that ended rather abruptly following the 2007 title.

Hale became an academic casualty at VSU, falling out of the football program and, ultimately, out of the school altogether. 

It’s something he reflects on with regret, yet it’s served as a life lesson in resolve. 

“I wasn’t cracking down on my grades. Of course, you know what happens when you don’t do that,” Hale said.

Fortunately for Hale, he had a mentor that wasn’t going to let him slip into oblivion.

West Georgia assistant head coach and secondary coach James Colzie, who was on the VSU coaching staff in 2007, had already joined the UWG coaching staff under Daryl Dickey when he heard about Hale’s academic plight.

“He got my head back straight. He told me what I needed to do. I knew what I needed to do,” Hale said.

All the conducting masterclasses

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR/GRADUATE ASSISTANT – Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. While earning a Master of Music Performance in Orchestral Conducting, students will serve as Assistant Conductor of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra (VSO) and the Valdosta Symphony Youth Orchestra (VSYO). Students will have weekly podium time with the Valdosta State University (VSU) String Ensemble and the VSYO and study with Dr. Howard Hsu, Music Director of the VSO and Director of Orchestra Activities at VSU. Undergraduate degree in music required, excellent musicianship, ability to work well with faculty, other professionals and college students, public speaking skills. Apply online at www.applyweb.com/apply/vsug/menu.html In addition, send the following to Dr. Howard Hsu; Valdosta State University; Department of Music; 1500 N Patterson St.; Valdosta, GA 31698-0115. Send a 20-30 minute video (DVD or videotape) consisting of rehearsal and/or performance with an ensemble, resume, copies of 2 letters of reference from music educators and/or professionals, copy of transcripts from each university attended. Two finalists will be chosen for a live audition, interview and test on February 1, 2011 at Valdosta State University. Deadline is Jan. 1, 2011.