Yadkin Valley Sports - Spring 2012 by Eric Lusk

Athletes and teams from Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, Stokes, Ashe and Alleghany counties gear up for new sports season

Table of Contents 5

Five Burning Questions

Conference Changes Coming

News & Notes

More Magic For West Stokes?

Winston-Salem Dash Hosting Games

Work Ethic Drives Caleb Brawley

MVAC Crowded At The Top

Trojans Enjoying The Weather

Mining The Local Diamonds

Big story lines to follow this spring

Page

NCHSAA announces new conference alignment structure for the 2013-17 period. Not all area schools are happy about it 10 - Starmount alum chasing college home run record 12 - My Profile: West Wilkes senior Tyler Stotler The baseball Wildcats are hoping to continue a great year for boys sports at the school Several area high school baseball teams will play in WinstonSalemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minor league park this spring Forbush senior hit better than .500 last season en route to earning conference MVP status Wilkes Central, Starmount, Forbush and West Wilkes look ready to lead the way again in Mountain Valley 1A/2A baseball A mild winter has helped Alleghany spring sports teams get ready Surry Community College gets softball commitments from Surry, Yadkin and Stokes county players

The Cardinal Way

Wilkes Time To Shine?

Yadkin Rivalry Still Strong

Elkin Soccer Looking For Scorers

East Surry, winners of the last four softball state titles, aiming high once again this spring Softball has improved across the county the past few years Forbush, Starmount reload for another exciting softball season Lady Elks aim to stay healthy this spring

Changing Of The Guard?

Running Off To College

Track And Field Athletes To Watch

Buckinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Elks Aim High In Tennis

Plenty of Gold Found Here

Special Athletes From The Yadkin Valley

Wilkes Central, Ashe soccer ready to push Forbush Elkin distance specialist signs with UNC Pembroke West Wilkes jumper won indoor state title in February Singles player Tyler Macy has played in two state title matches State champion golfers return to Bishop, North Surry programs

Special Olympics ready for their spring games

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Photo by Eric Lusk

Dillon Bray is one of three Starmount seniors to sign with a college program. The future Western Carolina hurler had an ERA below 2.00 last season.

Sports Volume 2 * Issue 3 * March 2012 * www.YadkinValleySports.com

Eric Lusk

Editor & Publisher

On The Cover

Pam Lusk

Business Manager

MAIN PHOTO: Caleb Brawley (Forbush) is the reigning MVP of MVAC baseball. ALSO PICTURED (counterclock-wise from top left): Allison Smith (Alleghany), Eugene Billips (Starmount), Sarah Snow (Elkin), Tori Andreski (Wilkes Central), Hannah Brown (East Wilkes), Kirsten Parries (Mount Airy), Ethan Wilmoth (Surry Central), Marcus Denny (North Wilkes), Ben Holland (North Stokes), Jessica Barker (East Surry), Tyler Macy (Elkin) and Tyler Stotler (West Wilkes)

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MARCH 2012

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Welcome to Spring Sports

Five burning questions Spring sports story lines to follow around the Yadkin Valley By Eric Lusk Editor The spring sports season is a lot like arriving at a gigantic buffet table. There is so much to survey, it’s hard to know where to start. Most schools offer five or six sports this time of year, from baseball and softball to girls soccer to track & field to tennis and golf. While the days and months ahead will produce more story lines than you can count, here are some big questions we’ll be following at Yadkin Valley Sports in the spring of 2012: 1. Can East Surry earn a “five-peat” in softball? The Cardinals won an unprecedented fourth-straight 1A state title last season. Senior Beth Isaacs earned the starting pitcher’s job in the season opener and never gave it up, posting a 21-3 record, claiming Northwest 1A/2A Conference player of the year honors and throwing every inning during the state championship series in Raleigh. With Isaacs now graduated, the Cards must fill her all-imPhoto by Eric Lusk portant shoes, as well as those of Brooke Bowman of East Surry other departed seniors. The cupsqueezes the final out in a playoff board is pretty well stocked again win from last season. for coach Derrick Hill but will it be enough to bring home another cellence in recent years, making the state title state banner? If there are other worthy challengers out of game in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Last season, the West, keep your eye on West Wilkes from Forbush made it to the Final Four before being the Mountain Valley 1A/2A or East Surry’s ousted by upstart Cuthbertson. It’s been several years since the Falcons own conference partner North Stokes. Farther away from this area, South Stanly last lost a conference match. But with prolific has been a frequent visitor deep into the 1A scorer Jessica Baity now wearing NC State playoffs. East Surry barely made it past South red – and her younger sister Jennifer sidelined Stanly in the 1A quarterfinals a year ago and with an injury – will this be the year a team like the Rowdy Rebel Bulls return a standout pitch- Wilkes Central or Ashe County or Starmount er (Steely Russell) who gave the Cards fits in slips in ahead of them in the standings? 3. How will new bat restrictions affect their playoff meeting before Isaacs teed off on area baseball teams? a couple of pitches. The N.C. High School Athletic Association 2. Can anyone unseat Forbush girls socis following the collegiate ranks in making ilcer atop the Mountain Valley 1A/2A? The Falcons have been the picture of ex- legal any bat that does not conform to current WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

NCAA standards. The change should bring home run numbers way down and put more of a premium on pitching, defense and small-ball tactics. It will be intriguing to see how this will impact teams that in the past have relied on heavy hitting since the sweet spots in these new bats are much smaller. While some of the more traditional coaches like it, the change will take some getting used to for sure. 4. Will any track and field athletes bring home state championships? We’ve been spoiled in these parts, having numerous state medal winners to follow in recent years, from East Wilkes’ Carol Blankenship to Mount Airy’s Matus Kriska. Will we have state champs to herald this coming May? Keep your eye on distance runners like Kirsten Parries of Mount Airy (already a state champ in cross country), Zach Millsaps, Madison Durham and Madeline Carter of Elkin, Laney Browder of Wilkes Central and Erica Boles of West Stokes. Makayla Roten of West Wilkes won a state indoor title in February in the high jump. Samantha Dimmette of Elkin (throws), Tess Rogers of North Stokes (jumps), Allison Perrell of South Stokes (high jump), Matt Layne of West Wilkes (pole vault) and Meghen Breeden of West Wilkes (pole vault) are other names to watch. 5. Will we have a state champion in tennis this spring? Mount Airy, Elkin, Bishop McGuinness and East Wilkes have been traditionally strong in the 1A ranks in both boys and girls tennis. Elkin’s Tyler Macy won the 1A West Region singles crown and advanced to the state title match a year ago. He’s back and looking to take that final step in individual play. Matt and Mitch Kessler give Mount Airy a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the singles ladder. MARCH 2012

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Spring Sports: News & Notes

Conference changes coming NCHSAA realignment would splinter area schools into 3 leagues By Eric Lusk Editor Changes are coming to area high school sports conferences if the latest realignment draft released by the N.C. High School Athletic Association gets final approval. But not all the schools in our area are happy with the new conference designs. Two in particular, Mount Airy and East Surry, have begun the appeals process to have their conference placement changed. Under the latest proposal, released by the NCHSAA on Feb. 16, what is now the Northwest 1A/2A Conference – which features Mount Airy, East Surry, Surry Central, North Surry, West Stokes, North Stokes, South Stokes, Photo by Eric Lusk Bishop McGuinness and WinEast Surry High School’s sports teams, including the baseball squad ston-Salem Prep — would be coached by athletic director Barry Hall (right), could be moving into a confersplintered into two directions ence with mostly Forsyth County schools. Also pictured, Drew Wilson (11). for the 2013-17 alignment period. in late February. “We’d have one rival, Mount Airy. Surry Central, North Surry, West Stokes and South Stokes would form a straight And how are we supposed to pay the bills?” The problem is, there are no easy solutions to al2A conference, along with Forbush from the Mountain Valley 1A/2A and Winston-Salem Carver from leviate concerns by Mount Airy and East Surry. Any redrawing of the conference maps would affect other the current PAC-6. Mount Airy, East Surry, North Stokes, Bishop schools. There has been talk of East Surry and Mount Airy McGuinness and Winston-Salem would join Atkins going independent. But that can’t happen for the and Walkertown in a new 1A conference. Meanwhile, the MVAC 1A/2A would remain 2013-17 alignment period. Schools had to declare intact with the exception of Forbush. That league their intentions – whether they want to be in a conwould move to eight teams – four playing in the 1A ference or not – before the process began last fall. classification (Elkin, Alleghany, Starmount and East Both schools agreed then they wanted to be slotted Wilkes) and four playing in 2A (Wilkes Central, into a conference. East Surry had wondered about playing up a clasNorth Wilkes, West Wilkes and Ashe County). Appeals will be heard by the NCHSAA on March sification, so it could petition to join the new 2A 15. The final draft will be approved later in the league with neighboring rivals Surry Central, North spring. Schools around the state will have one more Surry and West Stokes. But playing out of classificayear under the current alignment before the new con- tion is no longer allowed by the NCHSAA. The new conference alignment shift took East ferences take effect. Mount Airy and East Surry cited travel conferenc- Surry and Mount Airy by surprise, Hall said. The es and economic concerns in their appeal – namely state released a draft back in early December that that fewer local rivals on the conference schedule contained this very conference set-up, but the NCHwill equal much smaller crowds, thus less money for SAA warned that the draft was based completely on a computer program. their programs. A second plan, developed by NCHSAA staff “It’s not fair – there is no way they can tell us this is fair,” East Surry athletic director Barry Hall said members, then came out shortly thereafter and it esWWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Proposed Conferences for 2013-17 1A Conference

Mount Airy East Surry North Stokes Bishop McGuinness Winston-Salem Prep Walkertown Atkins

2A Conference Surry Central North Surry West Stokes South Stokes Forbush Carver

1A/2A Conference Elkin (1A) Starmount (1A) East Wilkes (1A) Alleghany (1A) Wilkes Central (2A) North Wilkes (2A) West Wilkes (2A) Ashe County (2A)

Current Conferences Northwest 1A/2A

Mount Airy (1A) East Surry (1A) North Stokes (1A) South Stokes (1A) Bishop McGuinness (1A) Winston-Salem Prep (1A) West Stokes (2A) Surry Central (2A) North Surry (2A)

Mountain Valley 1A/2A Elkin (1A) East Wilkes (1A) North Wilkes (1A) West Wilkes (1A) Alleghany (1A) Wilkes Central (2A) Ashe County (2A) Starmount (2A) Forbush (2A)

MARCH 2012

sentially kept the current Northwest 1A/2A and Mountain Valley 1A/2A conferences together. The only exceptions were moving Bishop and Winston-Salem Prep to another league and shifting Forbush from the MVAC to Northwest to give each league eight teams. That is the draft most in Surry County figured would hold up after the public comment forums held in January. “It was a good conference and everybody was happy. We thought that was the one we were going to be in,” Hall said. “We knew nothing about being put down where they put us. They called us about being in this conference, we said ‘No.’ To me, no means no. But they didn’t care. They just put us there and figured we were going to take it.” The Bears and Cardinals have played North Stokes for many years as a conference partner, as well as Bishop McGuinness. Prep joined the current Northwest 1A/2A in 2009-10. While Mount Airy and Bishop have developed a strong on-court rivalry in girls basketball, for example, the distance between the Granite City and Kernersville keeps it from growing into a standing-room-only spectacle like you typically see when Mount Airy plays foes like North Surry or Surry Central. This will be a big step down as a football conference as well. Bishop has been solid in recent years under coach Charlie Jones, challenging for the Northwest title in 2010. North Stokes has only had a few winning seasons in its history, but the Vikes also look to be on the rise under new coach Jason Lippard. North Stokes beat East Surry this past fall, 34-21. But that’s about it. Walkertown is a new school. Prep doesn’t offer football yet, though it says it would like to in the future. Atkins went 1-10 in a 2A conference this past fall. The burden of proof will be on East Surry and Mount Airy to show that their revised conference map will be good for everyone involved, no easy task. But Hall believes he and his Mount Airy comrades have such a plan to present. “We are going to do everything we can do,” he said. “If it comes to it and we have to go down there and play, then fine. But we’re at least going to give it one final shot.”

Photo by Eric Lusk

Wilkes Central and Forbush have been rivals in numerous sports, including girls soccer, as conference partners in the Mountain Valley 2A (2005-09) and now in the Mountain Valley 1A/2A. Forbush likely will leave the MVAC for another conference starting in 2013.

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MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: News & Notes

Former Ram eyes HR record

Starmount alum hitting them out for Charleston Southern By Eric Lusk Editor Former Starmount softball and volleyball standout Jana Matthews has a chance to ink her name in the Charleston Southern softball record books this spring. The junior has her eye on the school’s career home-run mark. She tied it on Feb. 24 with her first round-tripper of the season in a game against Wright State. At that point, Matthews and senior teammate Megan Lombard owned the career home run record together, with each at 20. Matthews then moved into the lead all by herself with another home run on March 2 against Kansas. The two will duke it out all spring for top honors in the school record books, with Matthews having next year to then add to her totals. Lombard hit eight homers in 2011. Matthews has been on fire to begin the 2012 season. She has started each of the first 17 games, and through March 4 she boasted a .328 batting average (third best on the team) with 19 hits, 10 runs, three doubles and 15 RBIs. She has stolen one base. Her RBI totals were first on the team. In 2011, Matthews started 57 games in left field for Charleston Southern. She was voted to the Big South All-Conference second Photo courtesy CSUSports.com team, batting .251 for the season Jana Matthews, who played softball, volleyball and basketball for Star- with 10 doubles, three triples, mount, has hit more than 20 homers for Charleston Southern softball. seven homers, 26 runs and 32

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RBIs. She was tied for second in the Big South for triples and ranked fifth in RBI. She was second on Charleston Southern’s roster for doubles, home runs, total bases and RBI, posting 20 extra-base hits for the second year in a row. Matthews hit a walk-off solo homerun to beat Elon last March. She was 3-for-4 in that game, with a double and three RBIs. She also drove in five runs last March 11 in a game against James Madison. Charleston Southern was off to a 10-7 start as of March, winning all seven of its first 10 home games. Matthews is the daughter of Melanie and Eddie Matthews of Boonville. Matthews’ younger sister Josie is a junior at Starmount, who has started for the Rams’ softball and volleyball seasons since her freshman year. Josie will miss the 2012 softball season, however, while recovering from knee surgery. Matthews will get a chance to play in front of a worldwide television audience March 24 when Charleston Southern faces Winthrop in a game scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN3, the World Wide Leader’s internet broadcast arm. The Big South championship game also will be broadcast on ESPN in May, should Charleston Southern advance that far.

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My Profile:

Tyler Stotler West Wilkes • Senior

YADKIN VALLEY SPORTS THE MAGAZINE

Number of years I have played baseball for West Wilkes: Four The positions I play: Shortstop Where I was born: Charleston, SC Best sports movie of all time: Moneyball Book I’m reading now: The Hunger Games My most visited internet bookmarks: Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ My top baseball accomplishments so far: North Carolina 1A State Championship 2010 Favorite baseball player to watch: Albert Pujols Best part of baseball game days: From the time I wake up until the time the game starts, that’s all I can think about. First baseball team I ever played for and what I remember most about that season: The first team I remember was Coach Pitch with the Marlins. I was swinging a bat when a kid walked up behind me and I hit him in the head. Year-round/travel baseball teams: Dirtbags and Heat Showcase Other high school sports I played: JV Basketball Favorite subject in school and why: Any computer class; I’m good with computers and I like to play online games. Least favorite subject and why: Math, because I prefer subjects that can be debated. Someone who inspires me and why they inspire me: My dad inspires me. I wouldn’t be the player I am today if it weren’t for him. Three things I want to accomplish before leaving high school: Win another State Championship, figure out where I’m committing to play college baseball and pass my math class. Favorite place to visit: Myrtle Beach Favorite sports teams: Atlanta Braves and UNC Tar Heels Favorite athlete to watch in a sport other than baseball: Harrison Barnes Favorite meal: Honey BQ Wings and Fries Talent I’d most like to have: I’d like to be able to switch hit. My greatest love: Baseball What I value most in others: The ability to be in a good mood often. I’d love to trade places for a day with … Audrey Drake Graham, aka “Drake” In 10 years, I see myself … trying to play a little in the Minor League. In 25 years, I see myself … working as a Physical Therapist. My motto: You only live once; YOLO

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MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Baseball

More West Stokes magic? Wildcats pegged as team to beat in ultra-tough Northwest 1A/2A By Eric Lusk Editor It’s been a banner year for boys sports teams at West Stokes High School. The football team went 16-0 and captured the county’s first ever state championship in the sport. The varsity basketball team made history by advancing to the 2A West Region semifinals for the first time. Even the boys soccer team fared well, posting an 8-6 record against conference teams and advancing a round in the 2A state playoffs. The pressure is on the Wildcats’ baseball team to keep the magic going. Count head coach Kirk Goodson, entering his 12th season with the program, ready for the challenge. “The fact that baseball season is starting excites me, knowing that it’s about time to cut the grass and chalk the lines,” Goodson said. “The coaches and players have put in the time and are ready to play.” West Stokes was the unanimous choice of conference coaches to win the Northwest 1A/2A this season. That speaks volumes about the respect area coaches have for the program, since only four starters return from last year. It also speaks volumes about the quality of those returning players. Pitcher/shortstop Amos Wilmoth and pitcher/outfielder Blaine Durham are four-year varsity starters. Senior outfielder Dustin Chunn will be a starter for the third year in a row. Wilmoth, a State Games participant over the summer – a significant achievement for a prep player – has committed to Appalachian State. Durham also played in the State Games, though he had not yet announced his college plans as of press time. Chunn most likely will bat leadoff for the Wildcats and patrol centerfield. He, too, is likely to sign with a college program. “Dustin is the fuel for our offense,” Goodson said. “He’s a great leadoff hitter, possessing power and speed.” The other seniors are pitcher/infielder Tyler Pollard, outfielder/third baseman Dalton Boles and first baseman/catcher Brandon Helvey. Goodson lists leadership as one of his team’s strengths. “We have a core of seniors that understand what our program is about and they know how to get this across to our underclassmen,” he said. Juniors on the varsity roster, as of early

YADKIN VALLEY SPORTS THE MAGAZINE

Photo by Eric Lusk

Cody Ashburn, a sophomore, will be one of the young guns on East Surry’s staff this season. The Cardinals will battle for the top 1A spot in the Northwest 1A/2A Conference. West Stokes is projected as the favorite on the 2A side of the league.

March, include Tanner Lomax, Corbin Easter, David Hughart, Brandon Shaw, Reid Goodson and Caleb Cox. Two freshmen will start the year with the varsity, Jr Snow and Jacob Washer. Snow is a versatile infielder, while Washer is a catcher. Like many coaches, Goodson said he will be intrigued to see how his players respond to the new bats all high schoolers will be required to use in 2012. The onus will be on players now to generate power and accuracy “through proper movement patterns as opposed to the bat creating added power, sometimes the majority of it,” he said.

West Stokes has loaded up the non-conference schedule with talented opponents, including two games with perennial 2A playoff contender Central Davidson and games against 4A Mount Tabor, 4A North Davidson and Richlands High from Virginia. “We are excited about the opportunity to face these teams to help prepare us for our conference schedule,” Goodson said. Some of the Wildcats’ biggest challenges in conference play could come from a county rival. Northwest coaches peg South Stokes as the No. 2 team for the league this season. The Sauras return nearly every starter from WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Spring Sports: Baseball a group that won 12 games last year. One of those victories came in walk-off fashion against North Forsyth. Another came against North Surry when South players hit back-to-back-toback home runs. Five seniors and five juniors comprise the core of the team. Senior Ryan Smith will help anchor the pitching staff. He was the team leader in appearances a year ago. Seniors Jordan Carter and Josh Bray, and juniors Jonathan Montgomery and Andrew Martin also will contribute to the pitching rotation. Carter went 4-2 last year with a stingy 2.14 ERA. Montgomery is a “crafty lefty,” coach Mitch Adams said. He finished 3-2 last season while batting .304. Martin is more of a finesse, hit-your-spots type of pitcher. He boasted a 3.20 ERA last season, while finishing second on the team in hits (.321 average). Bray moves up from the JV ranks and will be looked upon to provide power to the offense as well as innings on the mound. Junior Jamison Nagle is back for his third year of catching the Sauras’ pitching staff. He threw out 52 percent of would-be base-stealers last season, Adams said. He also has some nice pop in his bat, as evidenced by five home runs and 18 RBIs. Mitchell Edwards, a senior, returns at shortstop. “Mitchell is the best defensive infielder I’ve had the pleasure to coach in my 11 years,” Adams said. “He’s a very fundamental player who makes tough plays look routine.” Edwards also swings the bat well, hitting .316 with eight RBIs in 2011. Senior first baseman Austin White hit .367 last season. Senior Jacob Williams typically leads off and leads the outfield from his centerfield post. He’s a three-year varsity contributor. Last season, Williams batted .365 with eight RBIs. The rest of the infield includes Brandon Ashburn at second base and Bray at third when he’s not pitching. Montgomery and Smith also are outfielders. Martin can be a utility man when he’s not pitching. South Stokes should some offensive firepower in the early part of the season, scoring 21 runs against East Wilkes and 19 against Rockingham County. “We have a lot of experience on this team and so we’re excited that the experience will hopefully help lead us to a deep run in the playoffs,” Adams said. “Our goals are to compete for a conference championship and make a run toward a state championship in 1A this year.” Like South Stokes, which went to the 1A West Region finals in 2008 and the sectional finals in 2007, Surry Central and East Surry know a thing or two about making runs toward a state championship. The Golden Eagles advanced to WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Photo by Eric Lusk

North Surry’s Caleb Whitaker earned all-conference status a year ago.

the 2A West championship series in 2010. East Surry played for the state title in 2007, beating South Stokes in the sectional round before topping Cherryville in the 1A West championship series. Surry Central returns three key pitchers from a year ago. Hunter Smith and Ethan Wilmoth both had ERAs around 2.40 last season. Austin Stevens has been a starter since his freshman year, helping the Eagles make the state semifinals in ’10. Stevens threw a no-hitter early this season against North Wilkes. Last year’s DH, Preston Cave, is back. He batted close to .500 during the second half of the 2011 season. Central’s entire starting outfield returns, with Wilmoth, senior Caleb Creed and sophomore Samuel Harris leading the way. “We think we have a lot of guys who can be very special on any given night,” coach Matt Scott said. “Hopefully this will be a strength as we won’t be too dependent on one or two guys the whole season.” The Eagles will have to make some adjustments in the infield from 2011. First, second, third and shortstop will be manned by different players this season than last. East Surry also graduated several starters

from a year ago. While there are five seniors on the roster this time around, long-time coach Barry Hall will turn to underclassmen as well – including a promising freshman and a few sophomores. Junior Drew Wilson could be the ace of the pitching staff, at least in the early going. He already has varsity experience as a member of the rotation last season. He fanned nine in his first outing of 2012 at Elkin. Jordan Miller, a senior, is coming off Tommy John surgery. Hall said he could be back on the mound sometime in April if his recovery progresses as expected. Scott Meredith is a talented sophomore, who can pitch and man an infielder position. Freshman Logan Sheets, who plays second base, can swing the bat well. The rest of the varsity roster as of early March included seniors Trevor Simmons, Aaron Eubanks, Ryan Martin and Jacob Sawyers; juniors Nick Smith, Cameron Sheets, Jeremy Gilley and Devin Benton; and sophomores Weston Payne, Cody Ashburn and Seth Brim. Count Coach Hall among those not complaining about the new bat restrictions, which are designed to make high school bats react much like a wood bat would in the pros. “You’re not going to see many home runs this year,” Hall said. “People are going to have to bunt, steal, do the little things. Sometimes you’ll see one pop off there pretty good on a line drive but nothing like it used to be. “I like it. We’ve always liked to bunt. That just means we’ve already been doing it so we don’t have to work on it. These teams that always went up there and swung for the fences, now they are in trouble.” Travis Gammons returns for his second season as North Surry’s head coach with a number of familiar faces around him. The Greyhounds return seven starters from a year ago and nine players total. North finished 7-7 in the conference, so expectations are high for the club this go around. Caleb Whitaker is a returning all-conference pitcher. “He has very good command of the strike zone and mixes his pitches really well,” Gammons said. Payden Simmons, a junior, is another returning starter with multiple tools, who can play at short or in the outfield. Simmons has good speed and a great glove, Gammons said. Alex Ratcliff, who already has had a great senior season in football and basketball, will take his talents to the North Surry outfield this spring. He started last year and led the Greyhounds in on-base percentage and runs scored. “Alex has a natural instinct for the ball and has a tremendous arm,” Gammons said. Dustin Johnson, Kyle Moser and Austin Chandler all are poised for breakout seasons, the coach said. MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Baseball If there is a Northwest team in rebuild“He has continued to develop his game ing mode this season, its Bishop McGuinand should be a major factor in the conferness. The Villains return just two players ence.” – both starters – from a team that finished Two more experienced players, Corey 17-7 and advanced to the third round of the Fulp and Ben Holland, should help firm playoffs a year ago. up the Vikings’ middle infield. “We expect The head coach also is new, Patrick these two seniors to firm up our middle inBowen, who has been an assistant with the field and help us do the little things to win Villains for the past five years. ball games,” Smith said. The two returnees both carry big bats, North Stokes finished 7-15 a year ago so there may not be a huge dropoff as you and 5-9 in conference play. The Vikings might expect with such a new roster. Sewere beaten by Elkin in the opening round nior Chris Kane made the all-conference of the 1A state playoffs. team last year, batting .474 with an on-base Smith said his chief goals for the seapercentage of .582. Brandon Gray, also a son ahead are “to continue to develop a senior, boasted a 3.37 ERA as a pitcher last winning attitude in the baseball program season. He hit leadoff two years ago. and to help these young men be success“We have a young, enthusiastic group,” ful at the next level of life, whether on the Bowen said. “We’ve been strong the past baseball field, college or the work force.” few seasons and hope to remain that way.” As for Kalbfleisch, he hit a two-run Baseball teams around the area – and homer in his first career at-bat at UNCG, their PA announcers – had a tough time in a mid-February game against Delaware spelling and pronouncing the name of State. As of Feb. 28, the Spartans owned a North Stokes’ top player from a year ago, perfect 7-0 record. Kalbfleisch had started Eric Kalbfleisch. five games and played six, boasting a batTeams also had a tough time hitting ting average of .357 (5-for-14) with three Kalbfleisch when he took the mound or RBIs. He’d worked 2.2 innings from the Photo by Eric Lusk quieting his bat when he stepped to the TJ Sonafrank has been a starter for North Stokes since mound without a decision. plate. Mount Airy only won a handful of moving up to the high school level. Kalbfleisch batted .509 for the Vikings games last season. The Granite Bears are last season and broke a new school record hoping to move up the Northwest 1A/2A to fill. The Vikes will turn to a pair of experiwith 11 home runs. He sported a 2.10 ERA from enced pitchers to help shoulder the load. ladder this spring. the mound, winning five games. By season’s Coach Jon Cawley is high on pitcher John Senior John Bray delivers from the left side. end, he was collecting Northwest 1A/2A ConCagle. In his first outing of the 2012 season, CaHe also carries a big bat and is coming off an ference player of the year honors and these days gle struck out 12 batters against North Wilkes. he’s wearing the colors of his new team, UNC honorable mention all-conference campaign. Mount Airy just couldn’t string together Junior T.J. Sonafrank is the Vikes’ top right- enough hits and lost that game 2-0. The Bears Greensboro. Kalbfleisch’s departure obviously leaves handed pitcher. “TJ has been a starter on var- also fell to North Stokes in an early conference North Stokes coach Scott Smith with big shoes sity since his freshman year,” coach Smith said. game.

Winston-Salem Dash hosting high school games By Eric Lusk Editor Three high school baseball teams from the Mountain Valley 1A/2A Conference and one from the Northwest 1A/2A will play special games at BB&T Ballpark – home of the minor league Winston-Salem Dash – this spring. Wilkes Central will face Morehead High on Wednesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. Starmount will battle South Stokes the following Wednesday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. Forbush will get ready for the post-season with a clash against North Forsyth on Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. North Forsyth is coached by former Forbush baseball skipper Jack Moss. The Dash’s amateur baseball showcase has nearly doubled from 12 teams last year to 22

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this season, with teams from Eden to Asheville set to play in BB&T Ballpark. “We were thrilled with the turnout and support from each participating school last year,” said Mike Thompson, Dash vice president of ticket sales. “I’m pleased the program is expanding to allow more teams to experience this opportunity.” The high school games are free of charge for all fans. The benefits for each team to play at BB&T Ballpark extend beyond the day of the game, Dash officials believe. Each participating organization purchased a specified number of tickets to 2012 Winston-Salem Dash games and may re-sell them to raise funds for the team’s athletic departments or booster clubs. “It is a unique and rewarding experience for kids to see their faces on the video board, and experience what most of us only get to dream of doing,” said Dash team president Geoff Las-

siter. “We hope that each team will have a special connection to the ballpark every time they come out to a game.” The Dash are the Class A Advanced minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The 2012 Winston-Salem Dash regular season begins on April 6 in Zebulon against the Carolina Mudcats. The Dash open their home schedule on April 13 when the Mudcats make their first visit to BB&T Ballpark. To purchase tickets and for more information on the team and the upcoming season, please call 336-714-2287 or visit www.wsdash. com. WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Spring Sports: Baseball

Work ethic drives Brawley

Forbush slugger, who batted .519 last year, was MVAC’s top player By Eric Lusk Editor When baseball coaches talk about Forbush senior Caleb Brawley, they’ll mention his bat speed, his quick hands through the zone, his power, his game-changing abilities. But Falcons head coach Taylor Rutledge kept coming back to one theme when assessing his star slugger last spring, shortly after Brawley was announced as the Mountain Valley 1A/2A Conference’s player of the year – his work ethic. You may be able to get Brawley out from time to time but you’re going to be hard pressed to outwork him. “He works the hardest in the cage,” Rutledge said. “Every day he is the first one in the cage. He is the first one in the cage if he had a bad night. He’s a kid that you don’t have to tell to get in the cage.” Brawley set a school record for singleseason batting average in 2011, hitting an astounding .519 – better than one hit for every two at-bats. He pounded out 41 total hits, launched seven home runs, stroked 10 doubles and collected a team-high 31 RBIs. Brawley saved some of his best work for the biggest games last spring. He smashed a pair of two-run homers against regular season champion Wilkes Central the first time the teams played in late March, earning five RBIs in that meeting. That got the attention of Central coach Terry Johnson for sure. “Gosh, I don’t know how you find a way to get him out,” Johnson said after the game. “The kid is a hitting machine. That’s my No.1 on the mound (all-conference pitcher Parks Smithey) and we tried pitching him in, we tried him out, we tried him off-speed. It seemed like everything we threw up there, he hit it. It’s obvious he works real hard on hitting.” Brawley had four RBIs both times the Falcons played East Wilkes. He homered in both Starmount games. He enjoyed 15 multi-hit games, including six where he had three or more hits. He was held hitless in only seven contests, four of those coming early in the season. Brawley only struck out four times during the regular season. It took a little while for Forbush coaches to figure out where to put Brawley in the field. Rutledge finally settled on third base,

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Photo by Eric Lusk

Caleb Brawley became a solid third baseman for the Falcons last season. His offensive and defensive prowess help him earn Mountain Valley 1A/2A player of the year honors.

and Brawley excelled there as well. He only committed five errors for the season, with just three miscues coming in 16 regular-season conference games. Brawley will play mostly third base again this season, though he could see some time at shortstop depending on who is on the mound. One of his biggest defensive moments of last season came against West Wilkes, where he helped foil a squeeze play. West Wilkes went on to win the game, but that defensive gem kept Forbush alive. “His defense stood out,” Rutledge said. “Finally I was smart enough to put him in a position where he was smart enough to stay for the year, instead of DH’ing him and putting him all over the place. When he defended that squeeze play against West Wilkes — even though we lost that one in extra innings — that was a big one for him as far as getting coaches attention.” Despite having an MVP caliber resume, Brawley seemed surprised to hear his name called as the league’s top player after the tour-

nament championship game last May. Add humility to his list of attributes. “I was kind of surprised,” Brawley said. “We have so many good players in this conference, so many good hitters too. It’s hard to accept something because there are so many good players in the conference. I’m not sure why I got it. I always try to keep a good attitude. Hopefully that’s what it was.” Through the first four games of 2012, Brawley had a .333 average, with three doubles and two RBIs. He may have a harder time compiling an eye-popping average this season thanks to new bat restrictions that will cool most every hitter (plus fewer coaches likely will pitch to him in clutch situations). But don’t expect many hitters in the MVAC or beyond to outwork the talented slugger. You could find this quote from Babe Ruth on Brawley’s Facebook page in early March as the new season dawned: “I swing big, with everything I’ve got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can.” WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Spring Sports: Baseball

Crowded at the top

Four MVAC baseball teams ready to chase league title this spring By Eric Lusk Editor Wilkes Central, Forbush, Starmount and West Wilkes led the way in Mountain Valley 1A/2A baseball circles last season. In the end, the Eagles from Moravian Falls came out on top in the regular season standings by a game over Forbush and two over Starmount. Central then beat Starmount for the conference tournament championship. Despite graduation losses and other personnel shuffles at all four schools, the league is shaping up to be a fourhorse race again this spring – with the same horses expected to lead the pack. In a preseason vote of league coaches, Starmount edged Wilkes Central as the favorite to capture this year’s MVAC title, with Forbush and West Wilkes coming in right behind. “Starmount and Wilkes Central have great returning talent and have proven they know how to win in this league,” one conference coach said. “Forbush will also be a talented group and, as always, every team in the conference is capable of beating anyone on any given night.” Starmount (19-9 in 2011, 11-5 in conference) boasts a trio of NCAA Division I signees. Shortstop Dillon Dobson and pitcher Alex Barr inked with Appalachian State back in the fall, while pitcher Dillon Bray signed with Western Carolina. Photo by Eric Lusk Dobson has started for the varsity Dillon Dobson will rove Rams since his freshman year. He’s at shortstop this spring a smooth fielder with great range and for Starmount. carries a potent bat. He’s been all-conference the past three years and made the Region 7 State Games team the Barr is a wildcard this season. He suffered past two years. a knee injury at the beginning of basketball. At Dobson batted .329 a year ago, with eight first, it looked like the injury might jeopardize home runs, 22 RBIs and 27 runs. his entire senior season on the diamond. But Bray had one of the top ERAs among regular starters in the conference last year, 1.98. The coach Mike McCann said earlier this winter left-hander struck out 85 batters in 56.2 innings. that Barr’s rehab was ahead of schedule and he At the plate, Bray hit .284 with 18 RBIs and 13 might return in time for the stretch run of the runs last season. Bray is a two-time all-confer- conference season. That would be a huge boost to Starmount to ence performer and like Dobson has been on the Region 7 State Games team the past two sum- bring in a fresh arm and solid bat for the biggest mers. games of April and May.

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Barr made all-conference the past two years and played on the State Games team last season. During the 2011 high school season, Barr posted a 1.97 ERA with 107 strikeouts in 64.1 innings pitched. He batted .293 with 17 RBIs. Bray plays first base when he’s not on the mound. Barr plays in right field. Starmount has yet another solid arm in junior Tanner Mathis. The three-year varsity contributor threw 42.1 innings last year, fanning 57 and earning a stingy 1.98 ERA. Eugene Billips provides speed in centerfield and on the base paths. The senior hit .301 last season with 18 runs scored. “He really came on at the end of last year in the playoffs,” said McCann, whose team made a run to the fourth round. “We are looking for Eugene to build on that experience and lead his team in the outfield and in the leadoff spot.” Chase Thompson provides steady work at second base and is another dependable bat. McCann entered the season with question marks at catcher, a position Jake Barr held down the past few years. Overall hitting needs to improve as well, he said. “I have a lot of seniors on this team who have been playing varsity for two to four years,” McCann said. “It will be fun to watch them play.” Wilkes Central has been fun to watch play the past few years, winning 22 games last spring, including 14 in the conference regular season. The Eagles lost a little more in terms of personnel from 2011, but the nucleus remains strong. Senior pitcher Christian Triplett, for example, threw an early season no-hitter against Elkin. “I am proud of our players and coaches and the baseball tradition that they have built at our school,” coach Terry Johnson said. “We feel blessed to have great parent, student, administration, and community support for our program. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen.” Five returning seniors will anchor the team. Triplett will play third base when not on the mound. Martin Koon will be a constant at first WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

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MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Baseball base and will carry a very strong bat. Jordan Carlton is another solid pitcher, who will man centerfield when others pitch. Stefan Susi will move to catcher. Perry Lowe will play at shortstop. “I expect all of these guys to continue their success at the plate as they have the past few seasons,” Johnson said. Underclassmen like Will Cornette, Austin Staley, Brandon Pruitt, Austin Shew, Dillon Adams and Hank Privette are expected to fill in other roles to compliment the seniors. “I believe we will be strong once again offensively and our pitching will be strong but versatile this year,” Johnson said. Forbush returns seven starters from a team that nearly caught Wilkes Central at the top of the standings last spring. While two all-conference players graduated, Caleb Brawley – the MVAC player of the year – returns. Brawley had an accomplished resume that included a school-record .519 average, 41 hits, seven home runs and 31 RBIs. The all-state performer will play third base or shortstop, depending on who is on the mound. Seniors Travis Holden and Josh Faircloth, as well as junior Ben Temple, are the most experienced pitchers returning. Faircloth led the Falcons in innings pitched (57.1) and finished with a 5-5 record and a 4.27 ERA. He threw seven complete games with two shutouts. Opponents batted .243 against him. Holden went 6-2 from the mound with a 3.60 ERA. Temple was 3-3 with a 3.50 ERA. Holden will play in right field when he’s not pitching. Temple is a stellar shortstop who batted .329 with 19 RBIs in 2011. “Ben ended last year as perhaps our hottest hitter,” Forbush coach Taylor Rutledge said. Other returnees for Forbush include senior first baseman Grayson Fulp, senior catcher Wesley Walker and senior second baseman Brittan Baity. Fulp carries a heavy stick, batting .347 a year ago with 17 RBIs. Walker calls “99 percent of our pitches,” Rutledge said, and he hit .308 last season. Baity is speedy on the base paths. “He is the toughest player on the team and is depended on to set the table for the middle of the lineup,” Rutledge said. “He is probably the best defensive player on the team as well.” Rutledge will get to compete against his former coach at Forbush, Jack Moss, when the Falcons face North Forsyth in a special game at the BB&T Field (home of the Winston-Salem Dash) on April 18. It will be the first on-field meeting between the two. West Wilkes has a new head coach this season in Drew Ward. He’ll be assisted by Taylor Brooks (JV head coach), Daniel Wood, Ricky Brooks, Chad Long and Mark Elliott. “West Wilkes has a very strong baseball tradition,” Ward said. “Everyone on our coaching

YADKIN VALLEY SPORTS THE MAGAZINE

Photo by Eric Lusk

Perry Lowe, a senior, returns to the middle infield for defending conference champion Wilkes Central. The Eagles fended off Forbush, Starmount and West Wilkes for last year’s title.

staff has been a part of that tradition, most as both players and coaches. We know that expectations are high and we are excited about the 2012 edition of Blackhawk baseball.” Ward will inherit an experienced varsity team, with five starters and eight returning players back. Shortstop Tyler Stotler was the lone player from Wilkes County to earn all-state status a year ago, Ward said. Stotler hit .457 as a junior, being honored in the 1A classification. “He is smooth in the middle and makes difficult plays look easy,” Ward said. “He will hit somewhere in the middle of our lineup and will be expected to get on base and drive in runs. When he is healthy, I believe he is one of the best players in the conference – and has a great future ahead of him at the next level.” The Hawks return an all-conference backstop in Alex Minton, who will join Starmount’s Dobson and Barr at Appalachian State. Minton

projects to be a middle-of-the-order hitter and could be one of the conference’s top defensive players. “He has a lot of power from the left side of the plate,” Ward said. “Hopefully we can set the table in front of him. He has a bright future in the game.” Pitching will be one of the question marks for West Wilkes. Will Shepherd could be the ace of the staff. The junior earned all-conference a year ago. He hit .325 in 2011, so he’s strong at the plate as well. He’ll likely play third base when he’s not on the mound. Senior Charles Noble will start at first base and provide another pitching arm. Senior Preston Millsaps, a newcomer to the program, also is expected to contribute solid innings on the hill. Other players who could play a key role for the Blackhawks this season include Graylan Groce, Cameron Caudill, Aaron Hudler, Zach WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

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MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Baseball Wood and Jeremy Parks. Groce, doubles and 12 RBIs. Caudill, Wood and Parks all are Pruitt also looks for Camoutfielders. Hudler is a pitcher eron Guyton and Carson and catcher primarily but can fill Knight to make bigger ima number of roles. “He is solid pacts this season. behind the plate and swings a Pitching remains the good bat as well,” Ward said. coach’s biggest concern. West Wilkes finished 12-14 Players that Pruitt lists as last year but posted a solid 9-7 pitching options include serecord in conference play, havniors Christian Roop, Chris ing to battle the big three of Cole, Luke Barker and MiWilkes Central, Forbush and chael Dolinger, as well as Starmount twice. Ward and the juniors Jonathan Barlow and Hawks are dreaming big this Guyton. spring. The rest of the Ashe “Every guy on our roster County varsity roster, as of wants to win,” the coach said. Feb. 28, includes seniors “They are all willing to do Avery Barr, Kole Goss and whatever it takes to make this Landon Gray, and juniors a memorable season, coaching Justin Scarborough and Branstaff included. We have a vetdon Carpenter. eran lineup and a solid rotation East Wilkes will welcome and we expect good things … back seven players off last Our number one goal is to win year’s team – and its head the 1A state championship. We coach. Jeremy Helton missed expect greatness in our program much of the 2011 campaign and shoot for the highest goal while recovering from injupossible. Our other team goals ries sustained in a car acciinclude winning the MVAC condent. ference championship and havHelton is an energetic ing a 3.0 team GPA.” coach who gets the most out After the top four, the rest Photo by Eric Lusk of his guys on game days. of the league looks more wide Zach Crabb pitched some big innings for East Wilkes last spring as a freshman. This year’s team will open. Coaches project Ashe build around junior Jordan County as the fifth-place team. Brown and sophomores Zach Matthew Sexton and Sam Gammons The Huskies finished 6-14 overall and 4-12 Crabb and Justin Shepherd. shouldn’t have many problems keeping their in league play a year ago. With a roster stocked Brown plays first base and has both a great starting jobs, coming off all-conference seafull of veterans this season, Ashe aims to move glove and stick. He batted .325 a year ago up the conference ladder and contend for a 2A sons. Both players have pitching experience and against some of the best pitching around. Crabb both likely will be in the field when they aren’t should be one of the top pitchers wearing Carstate playoff berth. The Huskies welcome back 10 players from on the mound. dinal red. Shepherd was the Cardinals’ catcher a Sexton batted a cool .500 last spring from year ago and will fill that role again. last year’s varsity, including eight guys who started. “And the people who are coming up the leadoff spot, banging out 10 doubles and a “Both of these guys had to grow up quickly this year can compete for positions in the start- pair of home runs. He finished with 11 RBIs and last year on the mound and behind the plate,” ing lineup,” said Pruitt, who has been head of boasted an on-base percentage of .586. Helton said. “Both are great players and are exthe program for a decade. Gammons batted .420 a year ago, with eight pected to step up more this season. I’m excited

YADKIN VALLEY SPORTS THE MAGAZINE

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Spring Sports: Baseball about watching the youth in the program step up and replace some big guys from last year.” Dillon Cabe is one of the big guys still around. The senior should be a middle-of-the-lineup hitter and a strong defensive player in the infield. “The biggest concern right now is filling in a big hole in the infield with the loss of all-conference shortstop Steven Gregory,” Helton said. “His knowledge of the game and his leadership will be missed.” Elkin graduated a couple of the MVAC’s top pitchers from 2011, Ethan Creed and Ben Kramm. The team also lost a two-year starter at catcher, Eythan Kramm, who moved to Iredell County and now plays for South Iredell. The Buckin’ Elks will build their 2012 fortunes around players like Hayden Snow, Jamey Cranford, Logan Newman, Ben Osborne, Seth Creed, Frank Miller, Houston Parks, Tyler Robbins, Ted Shore and Calvin Yarboro. Cranford, Snow, Yarboro and Parks will be among the top pitchers. Cranford is one of the team’s top returning hitters. Seth Creed will take over at catcher. “We lost a bunch so we’ve got a few growing pains here at the beginning of the season,” coach Steve Martin said in February. “It will take a little while to get things straightened out but we’ll come around. We’ll be alright.” Martin said he’s not that concerned about the new bats the N.C. High School Athletic Association is requiring all teams to use this season. The Elks were involved in a couple of controversial games involving illegal bats a year ago. “I think it will be more of a pitching and defensive game probably,” Martin said. “The hitting should struggle a little bit with those bats. But if you hit the sweet spot it will still go.”

Like Elkin, North Wilkes will put a youthful team on the field. Coach David Gregory had just three seniors on his 15-man varsity roster to start the year – Tyler Hall, Jared Story and Logan Johnson. Hall is a key player, pitching and patrolling at short stop. He was one of the Vikings’ top hitters a year ago, batting .301 with 14 RBIs. Johnson will pitch and catch. Story is an outfielder. The junior class features Aaron Billings, Chase Greene, Caleb Shumate, Ryan Reavis, Robby Roten and Austin Stanley. Billings has started off the 2012 on a solid note, batting .357 after contests. Varsity sophomores include Travis Parsons, Josh Bare, Nick Baronciani, Austin Owens and LJ Hendren. JT Griffin, a freshman, was listed on the varsity roster to start the season.

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MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: School in Focus

Trojans enjoying the weather

Thanks to mild winter, Alleghany spring athletes getting jump on season By Jamie Adams Contributing Writer Northwest North Carolina enjoyed an unseasonably mild winter this year…and perhaps no one enjoyed that more than the spring sports coaches at Alleghany High School. Usually, bad weather and/or cold temperatures mean the Trojans don’t get the practice time early in the spring that perhaps other teams in the Mountain Valley Conference get. “The weather has been incredibly nice,” said Yvonne Oliver, the Trojans’ tennis coach in her 23rd year of coaching. “It’s usually a big disadvantage,” said golf coach Jimmy Rutherford. “This season, we were able to start practice about one week later than everyone else, but usually we don’t get outside till around mid-March at best.” Perhaps good weather has helped with decent numbers for the Trojans’ teams; for instance, Chris Brady’s track team has 39 athletes combined on the boys’ and girls’ squads. “We can now be competitive in every event,” said Brady. “In the past, we haven’t been able to field an athlete in every event, so we’re slowly building a program where folks are going to start valuing our competition.” On the girls’ side, Mackenzie Blevins returns after earning a silver medal in the 3200-meter in last season’s conference tourney as a freshman. Sophomore sprinter Olivia Petras and

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thrower Jordan Edwards are both described as having “promising futures” in track by Brady, and senior leadership will be supplied in part by long jumper/sprinter Magan Edwards. High jumper Alex Romero is “really fast,” according to Brady. “He’s going to help on the relay teams.” Throwers Mauro Carranza and Adam Gambill solidify the field events, while junior Moss Goralski is “coming into his shoes on sprints and relays. Moss is going to be very important for us this season,” said Brady. Brady’s main goal is to “improve every week. It’s a philosophy that [varsity boys basketball coach] Kent Phillips uses, and he’s had success with it. We’re striving to improve every day and every week.” Brady also mentioned Kennedy Gambill, a senior who was a conference silver medalist in 2011 who recently had surgery to repair a torn ACL and is out this spring. “Kennedy is helping us coach right now,” said Brady. “She’s already become a vital part of our staff.” In baseball, second-year coach Zach Bennett has sophomore starter Austin Easter back on the mound. Easter has all the makings of a staff ace, but injuries derailed his first season. “He went out and played some shortstop for us with a bum arm,” said Bennett. “He can play any position, really, but he throws hard, and has the makings of a number one guy.” Grant Caudill is “the hardest worker on

the team,” according to Bennett. The junior backstop is “the type of kid everyone wants to coach.” Leadership will also be provided by seniors John Billings, who plays first base and pitches, and Anthony Watson. “Anthony is a wild card for us this season,” said Bennett. “He started pitching for us last summer, and has thrown very well this season so far. He can give people trouble with a good breaking ball. “And John has a really good stick,” continued Bennett. “He led the team in batting average last season, and he’s a hard-working player who’s been an important part of the program now for four years.” Bennett’s group won two games in 2011; in 2012, he thinks Alleghany can “win around 10 games, and really challenge for the top spot in the 1A part of the conference. And hopefully we can give the 2A teams a run as well.” A youthful team will hit the links in Sparta for Rutherford: Three freshmen and a junior, all first-year players, will join seniors Cort Hudson and Jack Kilmartin. “Cort was an all-conference player last season, and I think he’s going to easily be a top-five player in the league this year,” said Rutherford. Rutherford expects an improvement in his numbers soon. “We have a pretty good middle school team coming up,” said Rutherford. “I think those kids will be very productive for us

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in a couple of years.” Strode. “She sees the field On the tennis courts this and does what you need a spring, Oliver’s top six seeds center-mid to do. She’ll run will be Lucas Edwards, Daniel end line to end line and side Caudill, Daniel Teague, Anto side for 80 minutes withdrew Whitehead, Josh Choate, out a break.” and Garrison Wagoner, with Defender Molly Andrews, Brad Wishon participating in a sophomore, and keeper Sadoubles matches. vannah Walls, a senior, form The Trojans finished last in the backbone of the defense. the conference last season, but “Molly is very smart, not Oliver is hopeful for improveoverly flashy but aggresment. sive,” said Strode. “And Sa“Hopefully we’ll be betvannah is a first-year keeper ter than last year,” said Oliver. who really threw herself into “We have some experienced juthe role. She needs to work niors returning, but so do a lot on the little things, but she of other teams.” has good hands and had been Girls’ soccer at Alleghany a good surprise for us.” is only in its second season of The Trojans finished 7-16 existence, but Coach Taylor last season in softball, losing Strode has talent on the pitch. 3-0 to Murphy in the first“Last year we had 18 girls, round of the North Carolina and only about nine of them High School Athletic Assohad ever played before,” said Photo by Eric Lusk ciation 1A playoffs. Strode of his two-win team. Alleghany baseball coach Zach Bennett praised junior catcher Grant Caudill for First-year coach Kristen “Now, we have returning 15 being a hard-working catcher. Here, Caudill makes a play at the plate last season. Carpenter inherits a team that players, and have three freshwas very young in 2011. Last men joining us, and all three said Strode. “She has solid footwork, and just have soccer experience,” conseason, freshmen like pitcher doesn’t quit on balls.” tinued Strode. Madison Gentry played an integral part in the Center-midfielder Candi Sanchez is “prob- Trojans’ success, as did top players such as AlSenior Meagan Price, a forward, is “a solid all-around player who hustles after every ball,” ably my top all-around player,” according to lison Smith and Madison Hodges.

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MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Softball

Mining the local diamonds

Surry Knights sign players from Surry, Yadkin and Stokes counties By Eric Lusk Editor DOBSON — As Surry Community College’s young softball program aims to expand its recruiting reach and move up the junior college ranks, coach Amber Watson Reid also wants to maintain strong ties to the base of schools in the Knights’ neighborhood. Reid once again tapped local high school programs with her latest recruiting class. Signing letters of intent to join the Knights for 2012-13 so far are Ivey Johnson from Surry Central, Courtney Barnes from Starmount, and Brianna Bratcher and Emily Worley from West Stokes. Johnson is a catcher. Barnes is a utility player/first baseman. Bratcher has experience in the outfield, while Worley is a pitcher and middle infielder. Surry Community College also has signed Candace Newsome from Reagan and Holly Adams from East Forsyth. There could be more signees of players from Surry and Yadkin counties this spring or summer, Reid said. “When we first started this program, we believed in the local area and the response has been great over the last few years from our local kids,” Reid said while attending Johnson’s signing day ceremony in February. “We are starting to gain more interest there. We do have some good coaches such as Coach Craddock (from Surry Central) who have helped us out and let us know who the key seniors are coming up. That has been really helpful in helping us narrow our search for what we need.” Surry started its program in 2009. The first two seasons, the Knights had barely enough players to field a team. Last season, that number climbed to 12. All three years, Surry finished fourth

Photo by Eric Lusk

Surry Central catcher Ivey Johnson will join the Surry Knights in 2012-13. A handful of former Golden Eagle teammates play for the Knights now.

in Region X. This year, Surry began with a roster of 15 players – seven from Surry County, four from Yadkin and one each from Wilkes, Davidson and Forsyth counties. The 15th player hails from Beckley,

YADKIN VALLEY SPORTS THE MAGAZINE

West Virginia. Reid’s philosophy has been simple. She looks for pitching, offense and versatility on defense. If a player can swing the bat consistently well, Reid will find a place for them on the field.

“Our pitchers are going to do their part at holding off batters, but we’ve got to do our part and score runs, too,” Reid said. “I do try to look for hitters as much as possible.” Reid has signed some solid bats for the 2012-13 campaign. Johnson has been Surry Central’s starting catcher the past few seasons. She hit .283 in 2011 but missed several games due to a hand injury. She’ll bring on-thefield smarts to the lineup and will be expected to back-up catcher Jessica White next season when White — a Starmount graduate — becomes a sophomore. “Ivey is certainly a team leader and she does a great job behind the plate,” Surry Central coach Glenn Craddock said. “She has a lot of natural talent and smarts. Those type of players are certainly rare. Her work ethic out on the ball field is tremendous. She is a sweet kid and would do anything you ask of her.” Johnson had pondered going to Appalachian State in the fall but opted for Surry when she learned she’d have a chance to continue playing softball. She hopes to study to become a pediatric radiation therapist. Though playing catcher is one of the roughest positions on the field, Johnson enjoys being behind the plate. “I love being able to see and be in every play,” she said. Like Johnson, Barnes has been a softball lifer. She has had a lot of talent ahead of her at Starmount the past few seasons, but she started to assert herself at the varsity level last year, especially at the plate. Barnes had a walkoff home run in a win over Elkin and hit another long ball in the conference tournament semifinals against Forbush. Barnes could be one of the centerpiece players for the Rams this spring as the program adjusts

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Spring Sports: Softball to the graduation of six players plus the loss of another starter due to injury. Barnes could spend time behind the plate or in the outfield. She is a natural first baseman but that spot this spring at Starmount likely will fall back to Rachel Wagoner, who was all-conference there a year ago. “We are looking for big things from Courtney,” Starmount coach Heather Courts said. “She can play everywhere. We are expecting big things out of her bat.” Bratcher, also a standout on the Wildcats’ basketball team, batted a West Stokes-best .477 last spring. She played in 25 games, finishing with 42 hits, three doubles and two triples. She stole 26 bases and batted home 17 runs. She was only caught stealing twice. Bratcher led the Wildcats in runs, crossing the plate 32 times. Worley batted a robust .345 a year ago. She tied for the team lead in RBIs with 35. She had eight doubles and seven stolen bases. Worley pitched in nine games last year, mostly as a reliever, posting a 1.94 ERA. She started once, against Bishop McGuinness, earning 11 strikeouts and only one hit in a five-inning whitewash. Surry Community College will host this year’s Region X Division 2 tournament. The event takes place May 4-6 in Dobson. The Knights will play home series against Lackawanna College (March 13), Stanly Community College (March 24), College of Albemarle (March 25), Patrick Henry Community College (March 28), Spartanburg Methodist (March 30) and Wake Tech (April 21) during the back half of the season. Games are at Fisher River Park in Dobson.

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Courtesy photos

Starmount senior Courtney Barnes (above) and West Stokes seniors Emily Worley and Brianna Bratcher (left) are set to join Amber Reid’s softball program at Surry Community College in 2012-13. The Knights already have a roster full of players from Surry and Yadkin counties.

MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Softball

The Cardinal way

East Surry, winners of 4 straight state titles, aiming high once again By Eric Lusk Editor PILOT MOUNTAIN — You might expect a team that had captured three straight state championships to downplay the prospect of winning a fourth in a row, especially considering that a three-time state finals MVP was among the key graduates from the program. But East Surry softball coaches took the opposite approach heading into the 2011 season. From day one, the idea of a “four-peat” was a regular topic of conversation. “We stayed on the kids all year and told them that nobody has ever won four in a row — nobody at any classification,” head coach Derrick Hill said. “We started early trying to hammer that into their thought processes.” Obviously, the strategy worked. During the first weekend of June last year, East Surry claimed its fourth consecutive Class 1A state softball championship trophy at the Walnut Creek complex in Raleigh. The Cardinals (29-5 final record) had to battle out of the loser’s bracket to retain their crown, winning three games in a row on championship Saturday — including a pair against Eastern champion Pamlico, which had beaten the Cardinals 2-1 the night before. History was made on a number of fronts. East Surry claimed its sixth 1A title since the N.C. High School Athletic Association moved to fast-pitch in 1998. The Cards enjoyed their ninth trip to the 1A championship series in Raleigh (i.e. the double elimination Final Four tournament) and improved their overall state playoff record to 62-14. All are NCHSAA softball bests. “We told the kids after the ball games down there, no matter what happens the rest of your life this is something no one can ever take away from you,” Hill said. “We were the first ones to win four in a row. It’s the only time it has ever been done in the state. That speaks volumes about the commitment of our kids.” Now that the calendar has flipped to spring 2012, the obvious question is whether East Surry can keep building on their championship streak. Five starters return from a year ago, including outfielder/catcher Kelsey Wilson, the MVP of the state finals. Nine players total are back. The hunger for success definitely remains, but the M.O. of the 2012 Lady Cardinals may be a bit different from what fans have become accustomed to. While past East Surry teams

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Photo by Eric Lusk

Kelsey Wilson of East Surry makes a catch on the run in last year’s state playoff game against South Stanly. That play and that win were pivotal in the Cardinals winning the 2011 state title.

mowed down opponents from the pitcher’s circle – Haley Shelton and Beth Issacs are the most recent standouts – this year’s group may have to rely on offense quite a bit more. “We don’t have a dominant pitcher at this point,” Hill said during the season’s first week. “We may have somebody that comes up and emerges and becomes that. But right now, we feel like we’re going to have to hit the ball and we’re going to have to score some runs.” Fortunately, the Cards do seem to possess several offensive weapons. Seniors Evelyn Wells (2B) and Sarah Scott (3B) return to the starting lineup. Both are solid offensively and defensively. Jessica Barker, Kristen Cummings, Brooke Bowman and Ashley Smith also are expected to be key components at the plate and in the field. Barker plays shortstop. Cummings is a first baseman. Bowman plays in the outfield, while Smith plays in the outfield or at second base. Some of the players will move around a bit depending on who is in the pitcher’s circle. And here is where things get interesting. Hill heads into the season with the idea of using as many as four arms – juniors Barker, Cummings and Bowman, as well as sophomore Kaylee Tilley. One of the four could emerge as the ace,

like Isaacs did last year. Or the foursome could be used in some variation all season, depending on situations. In a March 7 win over East Wilkes, for example, Barker got the start and threw six innings. The riseball specialist then gave way to Bowman, who is more of a change-up artist, in the seventh. East Surry won 9-3. “We feel like we’re going to have to use them all a little bit and just kind of see,” Hill said “At this point, I don’t know that one of them is in the lead. They’ve all got their strengths. By the same token they’ve all got some weaknesses. “I’ve been around long enough to know that if you keep hitters off balance, that is the key. Even if someone can throw 90 mph, if that is all you do, eventually someone is going to hit it.” Hill said team chemistry with this year’s group is strong. So, too, is the belief that the Cards can keep their dynasty rolling another season. The long-time coach, who came into the season with a career record of 259-52, has planted some major tests in the regular season schedule, including Alexander Central, Greenville Rose and Ardrey Kell – which all play in a higher classification. WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Spring Sports: Softball “My goal is to get a little better every week,” Hill said. “We’ve got some games later on in the year where we are going to throw them into the fire. Hopefully by the time we roll into the playoffs, we’re not going to see anything that we haven’t seen already. But I like my team. I like the way they get along.” North Stokes could be the biggest roadblock to East Surry’s dominance in the Northwest 1A/2A Conference. The Vikings finished as the league runner-up a year ago. North Stokes had never beaten East Surry in softball before this season, but the Vikes came close a year ago. The Cardinals escaped 3-2 in the conference tournament and beat North 4-1 and 2-0 in regular season meetings. Pitcher Brandi Hole, a Lenoir-Rhyne signee, headlines North Stokes’ returning class. The senior won 12 games a year ago. Of her four losses, three came to East Surry. She finished with an era of 0.66 for the year. The left-hander batted .413 with four home runs and 20 RBIs. “Brandi is a power left-handed pitcher,” Lenoir-Rhyne coach Shena Hollar said in an official release after signing day. “With twothirds of our pitching staff graduating, Brandi will see lots of time on the mound for us in 2013.” Senior infielder Kierston Garner also returns for North Stokes. She hit .375 with three home runs and 20 RBIs a year ago. Surry Central also has a lot of confidence heading into the 2012 season. The Golden Eagles return nine starters from a team that advanced to the state quarterfinals a year ago – the first time any Surry Central fastpitch squad has gone that deep into the brackets. The Eagles beat 25-2 West Stanly in the second round by a 6-5 score and then topped Cuthbertson in the fourth round, 3-1. Junior pitcher Elise Austin and senior catcher Ivey Johnson form an experienced battery. Austin was 11-4 last season with 76 strikeouts and an ERA of 1.93. Despite injuries, Johnson batted .283 with 12 RBIs. Earlier this year, Johnson signed to play for Surry Community College. Junior third baseman Brittany Myers is one of the Eagles’ heavy hitters. She roped six home runs last year and batted home 26 runs (with a .304 average). Sophomore shortstop Cassidy Joyner is a solid for-average hitter (.361 in 2011). She hit three round-trippers as a freshman and had 18 RBIs. “She is very athletic and can cover some ground,” coach Glenn Craddock said. “She was all-conference last year as a freshman.” Jordan Wood, a junior, is more of a utility player. She can play in right field or at third base, or other positions. She batted .353 with 14 RBIs last season. Despite all the returning talent, Surry CenWWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Photo by Eric Lusk

North Surry’s Madison Vernon takes a cut during an early season game.

tral is still young on many fronts. This spring could be the stepping stone for a bigger 2013. “Most of those returning are juniors, so we will have another year,” Craddock said. “This team has had one year to come together and they have done that successfully. They have played in big games and they know what is at stake. Their work ethic is outstanding. They are self-motivated and push themselves. I love their drive to succeed.” West Stokes and Surry Central could be the teams duking it out for the highest 2A seed from the conference. The Wildcats have a long history of conference titles before joining the Northwest, winning eight league trophies between 2000-10. West Stokes was the East Region runner-up twice, in 2008 and 2009. This year’s team will be paced by a couple of Surry Community College signees, Brianna Bratcher and Emily Worley. The duo began the season batting in the leadoff and No. 2 spots, respectively. Pitcher Lauryn Smith won 15 games a year ago with an ERA of 2.15. She struck out 144. Lacey Grubbs, Taylor McKinney, Samantha Seaman and Ashley Cunningham also are among the key returnees. It’s been a super school year for North Surry girls sports teams. The volleyball squad blitzed through the Northwest 1A/2A schedule undefeated and advanced to the state semifinals. The basketball team also repeated as conference champs and earned a spot in the regionals (Elite Eight) for the first time since 1992.

Photo by Eric Lusk

Karmen Gardner gives Surry Central good speed in the leadoff position.

Now that it’s spring, the North Surry softball team will try to capture some of that magic for their own. “We are looking forward to another competitive season,” coach Julie Gammons said. “We are in a very strong softball conference, and the knowledge that every night is expected to be a battle keeps things exciting.” North Surry returns six starters and seven players total from a team that finished 12-12 a year ago, 6-8 in the Northwest. A pair of allconference performers are back, senior pitcher Hanna Fulk and junior infielder Molly Martin. The Greyhounds also return their catcher, senior Tessa Allen, as well as another veteran infielder in senior Courtney Gammons. “They will carry a weight on their shoulders as leaders of our team,” coach Gammons said. “Bailey Culler is a returning starter for us and she has a true passion for the game of softball. This should be a year for her to truly shine.” Consistent execution will be Gammons’ chief goal for her team as it competes in a league with several softball heavies. “We have a very strong upper classmen group returning,” she said. “We are competitive. This group has a mentality of Never Say Die.” MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Softball

Wilkes' time to shine?

County features four solid softball programs heading into 2012 season “I see Wilkes Central as the team to beat,” said East Wilkes Contributing Writer Coach Bradley Hayes. “You look at them on paper, and they look It’s not that Wilkes County high loaded; they have the biggest school softball hasn’t had its monumber of returning all-conferments. ence players.” There’s been the remarkable run “They have a really good nuWest Wilkes has enjoyed over the cleus,” said West Wilkes Coach past couple of seasons, of course. Michael Woodruff. “They are In 2011, the Hawks set a school stacked throughout the line-up, record for wins (27) and made it all and they have pitching.” the way to the third-round of the East Wilkes has pitching, too, North Carolina High School Athletin the form of returning sophoic Association 1A playoffs, before more thrower Kennedy Lester, losing to eventual state champ East who Woodruff called a “hard Surry 6-0. thrower” and “dominant” on the And the year before that, West mound. Wilkes advanced all the way to “Kennedy has a lot of speed; it the fourth round while compiling a takes a team a couple of innings 21-7 record. to adjust to how hard she throws In 1999, the North Wilkes Viit,” said Hayes. “But she also hits kings finished 18-3 under the guidwell; she’s a leader both in the ance of Randy Joines, and were at circle and offensively.” one point ranked in a national top Rising junior Hannah Brown is 50 poll featured in USA Today. another important part of the CarBut something different is in the dinals’ plans. air for the four county teams as the “Hannah’s looking to take 2012 campaign starts: For perhaps Kendra’s spot,” said Hayes. the first time ever, every team in “She’s catching this season, and Wilkes County has reason to beit’s not easy to catch Kennedy. lieve their moment is now. But Hannah also made a uniform There are holes to fill, of course, number change, going to Kendra’s as is the case for any high school old number 4. She looked to Kenteam, as graduation takes its yearly dra as a mentor, and she’s stepping toll. up to try to fill those shoes for us.” West Wilkes has a daunting task Photo by Eric Lusk Hayes also expects big things in replacing All-Conference pitcher Danielle Handy, who won 20 games Lakyn Rutledge returns to the West Wilkes lineup. The Blackhawks wonfrom outfielder Ashley Wagoner and infielder Adrian Pardue. last season while collecting more the Mountain Valley 1A/2A regular season title last spring. “We’re fighting for a spot at the than 150 strike-outs. top of the Mountain Valley,” said Slugging third baseman Taylor Hayes of his team’s expectations. Gentry accounted for four homers and 17 RBIs last season, and had a gaudy .480 batting average for the “This league has been dominated by [Starmount and Forbush], but I think the Wilkes County teams, including us, have a chance to knock Vikings. East Wilkes will be without the services of four-year varsity starter them off.” North Wilkes has a strong crop of players backed, highlighted by the Kendra Green, a stellar All-Conference catcher. Which leaves, of course, Wilkes Central: The Eagles suffered less return of pitcher Madison Ashley. “She’s a prototypical ace,” said North Coach Dwayne Berrier of the than anyone from off-season losses. Several stars return to Moravian Falls, including sophomores Jodie all-conference honorable mention selection from 2011. “Madison was Brock and Taylor Lowe. Both players hit better than .500 for the season one of the leader’s in the conference in strikeouts; she’s a strong thrower last year, and with a year’s varsity experience under their belts may be with a lot of movement on her pitches.” Completing the Vikings’ battery will be junior Brooklyn Osborne. counted for even bigger roles in 2012. “Brooklyn has an incredible strong arm behind the plate,” said BerAdd rising seniors Haley Williams and Terra Johnson to the mix, and one can see why the other coaches are predicting big things for the rier. “And she’s probably the best all-around hitter on the team. She’s going to be our clean-up hitter.” Eagles.

By Jamie Adams

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Spring Sports: Softball At first, Michaela Johnson returns, although Johnson is also the staff’s number two pitcher. “Michaela is a different type of pitcher from Madison,” said Berrier. “She’s got good off-speed stuff, and can hit her spots well.” Gentry will be replaced at third by sophomore Heaven Eller, who “has lots of athletic ability. She can do anything at the plate,” said Berrier. But while both East and North have reason to believe in 2012, and Central is being hailed as potentially the cream of the Wilkes County crop, West Wilkes has been the recent team to beat…and they have enough firepower returning to make another run in 2012. Only one senior returns in Stevie Wingler; she’s taking on a lead role with the Hawks this season, according to Woodruff. “Stevie has a great eye for the ball,” said Woodruff. “She makes contact, bunts well…she does everything you Photo by Eric Lusk need a number two hitter to do. She’s East Wilkes coach Bradley Hayes expects big things from got good speed and is smart on the base paths.” players like infielder Adrian Pardue.

THE LOOK OF PURE POWER.

Wingler will be one captain; another is Taylor Woods, a junior who missed time last season with a broken foot. “She is an outstanding offensive player,” said Woodruff. “In her first nine games, she hit eight home runs, and then she was injured. When she got back, she hit three more in the conference tournament and state playoffs. She’s pivotal for the middle of the order.” On the left side of the infield, junior Hannah Cardwell and sophomore Lakyn Rutledge will man third and shortstop respectively. But perhaps the most important player for the Hawks this season is Courtney Lackey, who takes over in the circle for Handy. “Courtney has been on J.V. the last couple of years,” said Woodruff. “We have great expectations for her this year.” And, those expectations extend to the entire Hawks’ squad. “We’ve had 20-win seasons for four years now,” said Woodruff. “We want nothing short of that; we’re working to keep the tradition going in Millers Creek.”

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MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Softball

Yadkin rivalry still strong

Forbush built for 2012 run, youthful Starmount retooling lineup pitcher and a great bat – taking some of the pressure off SteelEditor man. “We should have a fast team, In the mid-2000s, Forbush giving us more opportunities to High was the standard-bearer for be aggressive on the bases,” Da2A softball in the state. vis said. “We’ll take one game at With Hannah Angel ruling the a time and (try to) regain a conpitcher’s circle, the Falcons won ference title. We’d also like to consecutive state championships make it to Raleigh.” in 2002, 2003 and 2004. When Starmount is the last team Lauren Harris took over pitching from the MVAC to advance to duties in 2005, Forbush remained among the 2A elite, eclipsed only Raleigh, making the trip in 2010 by programs like Central Davidand finishing fourth overall. son, which went on to win chamThe lineup card for the 2012 pionships in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Rams will look a lot different The Falcons haven’t been to than the past couple of years. Raleigh since the 2004 state title Nearly the entire starting linerun, but third-year coach Rachel up graduated, save for pitcher McCollum Davis thinks this could Courtney Groce and first baseby the year that Forbush brings man Rachel Wagoner. Another Raleigh back into the late-spring standout, junior second baseman conversation. Josie Matthews, suffered a knee “At the end of a very successful injury during basketball and season in 2010, I had my sights set won’t be available this spring. on the year 2012 because I felt like Groce has been the Rams’ that would be one of our strongest lead pitcher since her freshman years,” said Davis, who married year. The Chowan commitment Forbush boys soccer coach Seth has compiled a 60-14 record durDavis last summer. ing her first three years in the “I knew with two years under circle, with an ERA of 1.59. her belt, Shey Steelman would be Wagoner earned all-conferan effective pitcher with more exence at first base a year ago. She perience on her side. I also knew batted .356 a year ago with 11 Photo by Eric Lusk that (Natalie) Hauser and (CorRBIs. “She came through with tland) Phillips as seniors would Forbush players Natalie Hauser (left), Shey Steelman and Kayla Smith some crucial hits for us,” Starreturn with big aspirations for 2012. Here, the Falcon trio celebrates provide not only talent but some mount coach Heather Courts winning last year’s Mountain Valley 1A/2A tournament title. strong leadership.” said. Steelman has been a worthy Courtney Barnes, who comsuccessor to Forbush hurlers like mitted to Surry Community College, should step into a more promiAngel and Harris. She pitched the Falcons to last year’s Mountain Valley 1A/2A tournament title. Like Harris before her, Steelman also nent role this spring. The senior could be the new catcher and carries a strong bat. wields a strong bat. She led the team in batting average a year ago. Freshman MacKenzie Hutchens could make an immediate impact. Hauser plays shortstop, while Phillips is an outfielder. Both have Courts will welcome one of her former players, Kimberly Swisher dependable bats, Davis said. Junior Kayla Smith returns to her second base post. She’s tough (formerly Eckard) to the coaching staff. “We talked about us coaching together when she was a senior here defensively, quick on the bases and was maybe the most improved in 2006,” Courts said. “She was a great leader as a player and a great hitter last season. “Hauser and Smith make a great duo up the middle,” Davis said. addition to our staff. I am also looking forward to us trying to rebuild “I hope Kayla Smith will pick up where she left off last season. We Starmount softball to keep it at the level we are expected to be at.” The first Starmount-Forbush meeting of the season will be March used her a lot in the short game, but at the end of the season, her bat 20 in Boonville. The rematch will be April 20 in East Bend. The two became really strong getting solid hits.” The wildcard for the Falcons could be junior Anna Wingler, a have played multiple times in recent years in the MVAC tourney, transfer from West Forsyth. Wingler will provide yet another solid though not last season.

By Eric Lusk

YADKIN VALLEY SPORTS THE MAGAZINE

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Overcome the Temptation

DON’T DRIVE DISTRACTED

• Do you text while driving? Or check your e-mail? It’s tempting just to take a quick peek at a stop light — we know. But the data is mounting: driving distracted is dangerous. • Lock your phone or other personal electronic devices in the glove compartment. • Let incoming calls go to voice mail while driving. Don’t even look to see who it is. • Don’t talk to other risky drivers. Social disapproval is a good way to encourage others not to text while driving. • Pull over, if you must use your phone. • Never, ever, text while driving. Period. And remember, just be safe. Your Erie Insurance policy will cover you when accidents happen, but insurance is about more than just financial protection. It’s about keeping your risk to a minimum — so that you don’t have that accident. And that’s why we wanted to remind you to keep your eyes on the road and stay safe.

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MARCH 2012

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Elkin A great town A great place to shop

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Spring Sports: Girls Soccer

Elks looking for scorers

Youthful Elkin girls soccer team aims to stay healthy this spring By Kaylee Brown Contributing Writer When asked about his outlook for the season ahead, Elkin girls soccer coach Joe McCulloch kept it simple. “We’re keeping our goals realistic and focusing especially on developing our younger players,” McCulloch said back in February. “My goal as a coach is to do my best at keeping everyone healthy. That’s my top priority.” Injuries put a damper on the Elks at times last season, though the team was able to overcome them and advance back to the state playoffs as the No. 1 seed from N.C. High School Soccer the Mountain Valley 1A/2A Coaches Association Conference. Class 1A Rankings The biggest March 4 lost was to for1. Central Academy ward Emma 2. Southwest Onslow White, who 3. Science & Math tore her ACL 4. Avery County early and 5. Lake Norman Charter missed nearly 6. Raleigh Charter the entire sea7. Dixon son. 8. Camden County It was an 9. Gray Stone Day unexpected ob10. Manteo stacle for the 11. East Surry team to over12. East Montgomery come. 13. Union Academy In speaking 14. Thomas Jefferson of last year’s 15. Elkin team, McColluch pointed out who his key players will be this season. “Basically anyone with experience,” he said. “All of the returning players, especially seniors such as Mary Tayloe, Catherine Shumak and Emma White (coming off of her injury), are going to be the foundation for the team.” However, that does not mean that there is no room for any newcomers. Plenty of new faces could see the field. This soccer season has brought in nine freshmen as part of the 24-member team. Though they are young, McCulloch says that he sees great promise in the ability of the freshman class and has even started ninthgraders like Makayla Dimmette and Dionna Gonzalas in the early going.

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Photo by Eric Lusk

Elkin senior Mary Tayloe, a starter since her freshman season, could be one of the Elks’ top scorers this season. Elkin won the top seed from the Mountain Valley 1A/2A for last year’s 1A playoffs.

“After this season we will lose 10 seniors and that is why it’s important that we give these freshmen plenty of experience throughout this season.” As far as challenges for the team this year, McCulloch states that they are still looking to find the right dynamic at the front of the attack. “We have always had two players that work together in scoring our goals,” McCulloch said. “Last year it was Madison Spagnoletti and Mary Tayloe. One would assist, one would score, and then vice a versa.” Spagnoletti graduated last year and joined High Point University’s program. Now the challenge is finding the other half of that partnership with Tayloe. “We have plenty of options,” McCulloch said. From his current perspective, the team is optimistic and it is looking like a positive season in the works. From a player’s perspective, the outlook is no different. Tayloe, who has been a starter since her freshman season, expressed her thoughts on the coming season, along with a few personal goals. Going into her last season Tayloe stated that she is “very confident.”

“I am just trying to give it my all. It will be my last year so I want to make it count,” she said. When asked what she expected out of her teammates Tayloe said “as corny as it may be, I just want everyone to really care about the game but also each other. I hope that everyone is able to come together and gives it their all.” She admitted that a challenge for the team this year will be defeating the same teams that the Elks managed to overtake last year. “Our dynamic is just different this year. It’s not a bad thing, just something we have to work with.” On a personal level Mary explained the number one goal for herself. “I would really like to make the 100 goal club,” she said. “As of now I think I have around 50. So, I am a little behind, but that’s what I am aiming for,” she added with a smile. Tayloe’s energy for the game shed a light on how this team works as a whole. Every member seems excited and ready for the season to be underway. If nothing else, their attitudes will be a working force in driving them towards a winning season. MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Girls Soccer

Changing of the guard?

Ashe County, Wilkes Central ready to push Forbush at the top By Eric Lusk Editor Forbush High’s girls soccer program might be the most successful one in the North Carolina over the past four seasons not to have won a state title. The Falcons advanced to the 2A state championship game at NC State in 2008, 2009 and 2010 but were turned away each time by a 2-1 score. In ’08, First Flight knocked them off. In ’09 and ’10, Swansboro captured the title. Last season, Forbush compiled a 24-2 overall record, claimed its fifth straight Mountain Valley Conference championship and set a school record for goals N.C. High School Soccer (148) before running into a Coaches Association tough CuthbClass 2A Rankings ertson team in March 4 the 2A West 1. Carrboro final. Cuthbert2. Cuthbertson son prevailed 3. Forbush 4-1 on its way 4. Swansboro to the state 5. West Stokes crown. 6. Shelby This sea7. Whiteville son may be as 8. Clinton close as For9. East Lincoln bush comes to 10. East Duplin rebuilding as 11. Bandys it has seen in 12. First Flight awhile. The 13. Croatan Falcons gradu14. Surry Central ated five start15. South Stokes ers from last year, including four-time allstate forward Jessica Baity, who spent this past fall as a freshman on NC State University’s team. Several sophomores and juniors could fill pivotal roles. There are question marks about who will pick up where Baity left off offensively. Yet coach Kenan James is optimistic that Forbush soccer won’t drop too far off the radar in 2012. “I look forward to the new challenges we face in 2012,” James said. “We have great team chemistry and we defend very well. Possession and goal scoring are our areas of big-

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Photo by Eric Lusk

Tori Andreski has started the 2012 soccer season with 15 goals in five games, including a pair of four-goal outings.

gest concern. As always, we have to find ways to score more goals than our opponents.” The Falcons are looking for leadership from seniors Jessica Tucker, Jessica Disher and Ashley Alderman. Tucker is a talented midfielder with all-conference credentials. She was the team’s defensive player of the year in 2011 and is being recruited by Salem College for 2012, James said. The top returning goal-scorer is junior Jennifer Baity, the younger sister of Jessica Baity. But Jennifer Baity will miss this entire season due to a knee injury, James said. That will put a lot of the offensive responsibilities on sophomores like Madison Morsch, Tiffany Kennedy and Haley Lindsay. All three played significant minutes as freshmen and represent the next wave of talent

coming to the East Bend program. Morsch can finish well on what James calls “set pieces” – corner kicks, out-ofbounds plays, etc. Kennedy is quick with good range on her shot. Lindsay has good size and strength. Junior Sheridan Caudle is among the top returning defenders. She can throw it a mile on out-of-bounds plays and has schools like Catawba looking at her for the future. Others who could play key roles this season include DeAnna Wilkins, Natalie York, Victoria Cohn, Ashlyn Vestal, Disher and Alderman. “All made significant contributions in 2011 and will now be called on to fill vacant spots,” James said. “They are all quality players that were somewhat overshadowed by the tremendous talent that graduated. They were a huge part of our success in 2011 and I expect them to play and integral part of the 2012 team. “We will likely have another talented freshmen group and JV players fill our roster spots.” If there are teams capable of unseating the Falcons from their perch atop the Mountain Valley this season, look for Wilkes Central and Ashe County to rise to that challenge. Ashe County beat the Falcons in an early season contest, 1-0. The Huskies also topped Starmount 7-2 in early March. Second-year coach Wes Rousseau believes his Ashe team set the stage for a strong 2012 last spring. The Huskies beat eighthranked Wilkes Central 3-2 at home, with Aspen Domske scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. Ashe topped West Caldwell 4-1 in the opening round of the state playoffs. The Huskies also rebounded from a 5-0 loss to Elkin early in the season with a 2-0 win over the Elks later in the year. Nine starters return for Ashe. Mackenzie Domske scored 17 goals last year and dished out seven assists. She is the all-time leading scorer for the Huskies and has made all-conference and all-region three years in a row. Rousseau glowed about Domske: “Great leader, incredible speed, fitness, physicality. Team captain. Offered a scholarship to Catawba, but choosing to attempt to walk-on at Western Carolina. Amazing work ethic, WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

comparable to having a coach on the field.” Aspen Domske is a junior who scored 13 goals and dished out eight assists last season. She is one of the team’s quickest players and can dominate in the midfield. “She has singlehandedly kept us in games in which we were obviously overmatched,” Rousseau said. Other potential standouts this season include senior Kebrina Keys, Karanda Weaver, Kayla Spears and Chrissy Simmons. Weaver had 10 assists last season. Edwards anchors the back-line defense. Spears finished third on the team in scoring a year ago even though it was her first season of competitive soccer. Simmons, a goal-keeper, had nine shutouts a year ago. “I am extremely optimistic about the upcoming season,” Rousseau said. “What has me most excited is the commitment, dedication and work ethic displayed by the girls in the offseason. The day after the boys season ended with a second-round loss to Surry Central, the girls were already pestering me to get in the weight room. It has been an amazingly productive offseason, with high attendance at all workouts.” Rousseau called former Forbush standout Jessica Baity “probably the best soccer player I have ever coached against.” Wilkes Central’s Tori Andreski may be the next in line to grab that title. Andreski is a prolific scoring threat and showed it during the early weeks of the season by scoring four goals against both Elkin and West Wilkes. In the Eagles’ first five games, Andreski already had earned 15 goals. Risa Baker gives Wilkes Central a second threat in the midfield and a solid distributor. Some dates to circle: Forbush travels to Wilkes Central on March 30. Ashe then visits Moravian Falls on April 2. The Ashe-Forbush rematch is Aprl 4 in West Jefferson. The regular season ends with Wilkes Central traveling to Forbush on May 1. WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Track & Field

Running off to college

Accomplished Elkin distance specialist signs with UNC Pembroke By Eric Lusk Editor Zach Millsaps was simply looking for something to do in the spring after his freshman season of playing basketball for Elkin High School. “I wasn’t real big on baseball so I went out for track,” Millsaps said. “I liked it and I was pretty good at it so I stuck with it through the summer.” By the time he finished his first cross country season in the fall of his sophomore year, Millsaps had found a new No. 1 sport. He gave up competitive hoops, focused on track and cross country full time and has since filled up pages of accomplishment and achievements, including conference titles, state medals and runner of the year awards. Now a senior, Millsaps begins his final track season with a college scholarship in hand. The distance running specialist recently signed to join UNC Pembroke for the 2012-13 school year. He’ll compete both on the cross country circuit in the fall and in the 3K and 5K runs on the track in the spring. UNC Pembroke is an NCAA Division II program, which competes in the Peach Belt Conference. “The selling point was that they had really nice facilities compared to the other D2 schools I was looking at,” Millsaps said. “I wanted to go D2 because of the competition level. I think I could do a lot better. I can accomplish a lot more. “(Pembroke) has a really good history,. Last year, they were second in the conference and close to making it to nationals. Hopefully, going in next year I can be a good benefit, win conference and make nationals. There is a lot to look forward to.” Millsaps believes he can be the No. 2 or 3 runner right away on Pembroke’s cross country team in the fall. He’s been Elkin’s No. 1 in cross country and in distance track events virtually his whole high school career. While the goal of a state championship has eluded him, Millsaps has been a three-time all-conference cross country and track runner. He was undefeated in the conference and won conference championships in the 800, 1600 and 3200 last spring, running the second fastest time in the state in the 800 among 1A runners (and the third fastest time in the 1600). In cross country, Millsaps was the 2010 individual conference champion and the league’s

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Photo by Eric Lusk

Zach Millsaps showed promise as a freshman at Elkin High. Since then, he’s been all-conference, all-region and all-state in both track and cross country. Next season, he’ll run for UNC Pembroke.

boys runner of the year. This past fall, he placed second in the conference meet and helped lead the cross country Elks to their first appearance as a team in the 1A cross country state rankings and the 1A cross country state meet. Elkin’s cross country team won the conference title for the first time. Millsaps was all-region in cross country in 2010 and 2011, and finished eighth in the state

this past fall. “In all the years I’ve coached he is probably the hardest worker I have ever coached and I have been coaching for 38 years,” Elkin distance running coach Dan Merritt said. “He has the determination to be good. “He has set a high standard of excellence. We couldn’t accomplish in cross country what we did this year if it hadn’t been for his examWWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

ple. To win a conference championship and make it to the state meet – both boys and girls – I think it goes back to the standard that he set of working hard. They saw in him the commitment of what you can accomplish if you do the work.” Merritt said he saw the potential in Millsaps during the spring of his freshman year. By the end of that season, Millsaps was running on an Elkin 4x400 relay team that won a conference title, earned region gold and placed second in the state – running what was the fourth-fastest time in 1A meet history. “I told him he could be very good at this if he stuck with it and worked hard,” Merritt said. “He had good form and he ran very well for a freshman. He ran a 2:07 I believe in the half-mile – that is very, very good for a freshman. I haven’t had too many in all the years I’ve coached that ran that fast. He stuck with it.” Millsaps was one of the favorites to win state gold last spring in the 800 meters. He led the race heading into the final turn but then unexpectedly lost his balance and fell onto the inside railing of the track. Despite being dazed from the crash, Millsaps still got back on his feet and finished sixth, beating nine other competitors in the field. It’s that kind of work ethic and never-give-up attitude that has infused Elkin’s distance running program with plenty of energy the past couple of seasons. “He is a great leader,” said Ken Abrams, the head coach for the cross country program. “Kids have a tendency to follow someone who is going to excel and he set that example from the start.” Abrams coached the varsity girls basketball program at Elkin High for many years but took over the varsity boys program last spring. While he knew he wouldn’t have Millsaps on the court during the winter months – even though Millsaps showed his hoops ability by twice making a half-court shot during halftime split-the-pot contests – Abrams is aiming to instill in his basketball players the kind of work ethic Millsaps has. “You just get that one kid to take the ball and run with it, and the rest of them will jump on that wagon,” Abrams said. “He’s got that already. That is what I am trying to instill in these boys in basketball. I am looking for that one leader. They will follow you, especially if you are successful. He’s got it.” Before heading off to college, Millsaps is driven by the as-yet unmet goal of winning a state championship. He believes if he stays healthy this spring, he can get on the podium at the 1A state meet and enjoy the feeling of having a gold medal placed around his neck in at least one event. Before I graduate I definitely would like to win a state title,” Millsaps said. “I set that as my goal my freshman year. I came close a few times, some unfortunate events occurred. This year, we have a really good opportunity. We are in a good position. Hopefully, if everything goes well and I stay healthy I think I have a good shot.” WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Photo by Eric Lusk

Zach Millsaps poses with family members on his signing day — Patty Millsaps, Zane Millsaps and Kent Millsaps. Back row: Elkin athletic director Tony Duncan, coach Ken Abrams, coach Dan Merritt and principal Mark Byrd.

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MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Track & Field

Jumper earns indoor state title

Makayla Roten of West Wilkes will be one to watch during outdoor track and field season By Eric Lusk Editor

Photo by Eric Lusk

Makayla Roten of West Wilkes, jumping here in last year’s MVAC championship meet, won an indoor state title in the high jump in February.

CHAPEL HILL — West Wilkes track standout Makayla Roten won the girls high jump at the 1A/2A/3A state indoor track championships in February. Roten was the only competitor to cross the bar at 5-foot-6. Her closest challenger, Owen High’s Emily Kimble, crossed at 5-4 before being eliminated. The best that the rest of the field could reach was 5-0. The annual indoor track championships were held at the Eddie Smith Fieldhouse at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Roten also competed in the pole vault, placing ninth with a vault of 9-6. Here are highlights featuring competitors from area schools: * Matt Layne (West Wilkes): 3rd in boys pole vault (13-6). * Laney Browder (Wilkes Central): 4th in girls 1,600 meters (5:19.93). * Tess Rogers (North Stokes): 4th in girls pole vault (10-6) * Zach Millsaps (Elkin): 9th in boys 1,600 meters (4:41.43). * Kirsten Parries (Mount Airy): 9th in girls 1,600 meters (5:34.11). * Erica Boles (West Stokes): 15th in girls 1,600 meters (5:52.58), 27th in girls 3,200 meters (13:07.13). * Allison Tilley (North Stokes): 15th in girls shot put (288.25) * Dustin Triplett (Wilkes Central): 19th in boys pole vault (11-6).

Keep your eye on these track and field standouts

Some area athletes to watch this spring: • Laney Browder (Wilkes Central): The distance specialist, who was seventh in the 3,200 meters last spring, has had a great winter. She was the MVAC cross country champion back in the fall. • Meghen Breeden (West Wilkes): Gives the Blackhawks another solid jumper and vaulter to go with Makayla Roten. • Madeline Carter (Elkin): Burst onto the cross country scene as a freshman, Carter could challenge right away for medals on the track as well. • Samantha Dimmette (Elkin): One of the area’s top throwers will take aim at state medals one last time before graduating. • Carly Kreber (Bishop McGuinness): A distance standout, the sophomore placed third

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in the 1A cross country meet in November. • Madison Durham (Elkin): The junior is one of the top returning 1A runners in the 800 and 1,600 meters. • Matt Layne (West Wilkes): The bronze medalist in last year’s 1A pole vault has already crossed 13-6 in 2012 competition. • Zach Millsaps (Elkin): Has his eyes on the 800 meter title this spring. • Jokton Moore (Mount Airy): Listed among the top 1A returnees in the triple jump and long jump. • Kirsten Parries (Mount Airy): The reigning 1A state champion in cross country has had a nice winter season as well. Parries was second in the region and third in the state in the 3,200 a year ago. • Allison Perrell (South Stokes): A solid

jumper and hurdler could score a lot of points for the Sauras this spring. • Jazman Richardson (Winston-Salem Prep): Expected to be one of the top sprinters in the 1A ranks. • Tess Rogers (North Stokes): The reigning state champion in 1A pole vault crossed the bar at 11-0 last May. • Makayla Roten (West Wilkes): A state favorite in pole vault and high jump. • Raven Stanley (Surry Central): The senior already has won 2A state championships in the pole vault in 2009 and 2011. She crossed 10-0 en route to last year’s title. • Hunter Welborn (Starmount): Placed second in the 2A high jump last May. She has crossed 5-foot-6. WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

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ELKIN MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: Boys Tennis

Buckin' Elks aim high

Tyler Macy eyes state singles title; team seeks deep playoff run By Kaylee Brown Contributing Writer Elkin High’s boys tennis program has produced a strong and talented team over the past few years. From the looks of the team that took the courts during the first two weeks of the 2012 season, this spring should be no different. The Elks won their first four matches, beating Alleghany, North Wilkes and Starmount 9-0 and topping Wilkes Central 5-1. In interviews with team members and coach Tony Duncan, it is obvious that the team as a whole has set high goals and everyone expects another great season. Coach Duncan explained that the team is taking the season in stages. “Our first goal is to take the conference championship,” he said. “After that, the overall goal is to grow from where they went last year. We are aiming to go one match further than we did last year in the dual-team state playoffs.” When asked about who the strongholds on the team seemed to be, Duncan stated that essentially anyone who did not graduate from last year’s top six is going to be an anchor for the team. Players Tyler Macy, Jeremiah Morrison, Ashton Gant, David Bullins and Coley McCulloch have all had their fair share of court time. They are the experienced legs for Elkin, each having played in either the top six, or in a doubles duo for the Elks. Ryan Schell is a newcomer to the Elkin team, but is experienced in the sport. Ryan has spent a majority of his time on the court and playing in USTA tournaments, preparing for his high school career. After losing seniors Charlie Neaves and Andrew Reece last year, both a part of the top six, there were major holes left in the lineup. Andrew Peterson and Schell have stepped up to fill those shoes. “The harmony on the team is different this year, but still good,” said Duncan. “There is not as much senior leadership and we are relying on underclassman to step up and help bring the team together.” The top six is predominately underclassman, but there is still one senior leading the way. Morrison is currently playing the number three seed for the Elks and has proven himself a solid player over the years. He has risen through the challenge bracket every season and with this year being his last he expects

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Photo by Kaylee Brown

Jeremiah Morrison was the lone senior in Elkin’s starting six for singles at the beginning of the year. Morrison starts as the No. 3 seed for singles.

more out of himself than ever before. When asked how he’s mentally going into this final season he stated “I have a new perspective on the game. I know that every ball I hit could be my last and that makes me push myself even harder.” From his team, Morrison expects Elkin to go undefeated in the regular season “and of

course…win state.” On a personal level he wants to make it through the season undefeated in his own singles position, and also hopes to make it to the individual state championships with doubles partner David Bullin. Coming into the season with similar aspirations is top seed Tyler Macy. This will be WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Spring Sports: Boys Tennis his third consecutive year as the number one singles player for Elkin. After making it to the state finals as a freshman and sophomore, his goals are set high. When asked what he expects out of himself, he put is simply: “I am going to do my best and win as much as I possibly can. I want to make it to the state finals and bring home the title this time.” From his team, he expects that they not give up a single match this season and added with excitement, “We’re going to win state!” He

admitted that there will undoubtedly be obstacles to face this year aside from his own challenge to “keep my composure.” On the team front, Elkin’s toughest challenge in the playoff could come from Bishop McGuinness, the defending 1A state champions. Bishop McGuinness knocked Elkin out 5-2 in the third round last season. On an individual level, Macy’s toughest foe out of the 1A West could be Mount Airy’s Matt Kessler. The two battled it out for the 1A West region title a year ago, with Macy winning 6-2, 6-2.

Regardless of the challenges, Macy says he is ready and excited for the season to be underway. Elkin’s tennis team was not ranked in the 1A statewide coaches poll to start the season, but that could change quickly. The N.C. School of Science & Math, which finished as the state runner-up in 2011, led the preseason state poll, followed by Raleigh Charter, Bishop McGuinness, East Montgomery and Fairmont. East Wilkes was ranked seventh and Mount Airy ninth.

Area boys tennis players to watch this spring

Photo by Eric Lusk

Matt Kessler, who won a state title in doubles a couple of years ago, will play No. 1 singles for Mount Airy this spring. Kessler was the 1A West Region runner-up last season.

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Some boys tennis players from the Northwest 1A/2A and Mountain Valley 1A/2A to keep your eye on this season: • Tyler Macy (Elkin): The junior has played for the 1A singles state title the past two years. He’ll go for a third-straight trip to the championship match this spring. • Matt Kessler (Mount Airy): One of the most experienced players in the area, Kessler won a 1A state title in doubles with Brooks Mayberry in 2010. Last season, Kessler was the 1A West runner-up to Tyler Macy and advanced to the state semifinals. • Mitch Kessler (Mount Airy): The younger brother of Matt Kessler will play No. 2 singles for the Granite Bears and will part of the No. 1 doubles team. Last spring, Mitch Kessler and then partner Eric Belton placed second in the state. • Naveed Foroudi (Bishop McGuinness): Returns as the No. 1 singles player for the reigning 1A state champions. Foroudi lost to Elkin’s Macy in last year’s state semifinals in singles. • Kevin Weckworth (Bishop McGuinness): The Villains’ No. 2 player was part of a doubles state championship a year ago. Weckworth teamed with Joseph Riazzi to win the 1A doubles crown over Mount Airy’s Mitch Kessler and Eric Belton. • Lucas Shelton (West Stokes): A returning state qualifier in singles, Shelton leads the Wildcats’ singles ladder. • Evan Day and Jesse Massucco (Wilkes Central): The Eagles’ top doubles tandem, fresh off an appearance in last year’s 2A state semifinals, will be tough to beat in the Mountain Valley 1A/2A Conference. • Garrett Lakey (Wilkes Central): The Eagles’ No. 1 singles player won a match in the 2A state tournament last season. • Ryan Schell (Elkin): Newcomer to the Elks program should make an immediate impact. • Daniel Poindexter (Forbush): The Falcons’ No. 1 looks to have a solid season. WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Spring Sports: Boys Golf

Plenty of gold found here

North Surry, Bishop McGuinness had state champions last season By Eric Lusk Editor The Northwest 1A/2A Conference certainly left its mark on the state golf championships last spring. The league had the 1A individual state champion, the 2A individual state champion, the 1A team champion and the third-place team in 1A. What to do for an encore? How about more of the same – with many of the same players as 2011. Both state champions return – Stanhope Johnson of Bishop McGuinness and Taylor Coalson of North Surry. Johnson earned a three-stroke win in the 1A championships at Keith Hills Country Club in Buies Creek. He shot a 74 on day one and a 71 on day two. Johnson, a senior, signed with NC State University back in the fall. He’ll lead the Villains one last time, along with teammate Tanner Owen, who was the runner-up in the 1A tournament last May. Owen led after day one, carding a 72, and shot a 76 in the second round. Bishop will be tough to unseat as the 1A team champion. The Villains cruised to the state title by shooting 299 on both days at Keith Hills. The state runner-up, West Montgomery, finished 48 strokes back. East Surry, which plays in the same conference as Bishop, placed third in the 1A tourney. Jordan Vogler returns for the Cardinals. Vogler placed 30th in the 1A championships last season, shooting rounds of 87 and 83. Two other golfers to watch on the 1A side of the Northwest are Cody Hodges of Mount Airy and Ryan Wilson of North Stokes. Hodges nearly broke into the top 10 in the state tournament a year ago. He shot a 74 on day one and an 83 on day for a 12th place showing. Coalson won a tight competition for medalist honors at the 2A state tournament, held at Long Leaf Country Club in Pinehurst. Coalson fired a 69 during the first 18 holes and came back with a 71 on day two. That was good enough for a twostroke win over Roy Dixon of Salisbury. Eleven golfers placed within eight strokes of the lead. North Surry was fifth as a team in the 2A standings. Coalson could have the Greyhounds back in the hunt again this spring. Forbush was the top team in the Mountain Valley 1A/2A a year ago, winning the conference championship by 83 strokes. Four players WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

earned all-conference. Three golfers return from that team – Derek Hauser, Damon Parrish and Wesley Brown. Each played some in the starting rotation. “I’m expecting Kirk Casstevens to have a breakout year,” Forbush coach Matthew Pruitt said. “He is new to the team but has worked hard and could be our No. 1 golfer. I am most excited about being an underdog and having the opportunity to win when no one expects us to. The biggest concern for the year is lack of experience under pressure with very few golfers who have real match experience.” Pruitt mentioned Starmount as the team to beat this spring. “They are young but probably have the most talent and the most depth in the conference,” Pruitt said. “East Wilkes and Wilkes Central both have great No. 1 players

who can carry their team a long way. By far the best two players in the conference are McKinley Johnson (East Wilkes) and Zach Joines (Wilkes Central). Both have been in the running for conference player of the year for the past two years. I expect them to lead the way again.” Troy Evans of Starmount is another who could challenge for individual honors this season. The state championship tournaments will return to Keith Hills in Buies Creek and Longleaf in Pinehurst once again. The 1A Midwest Regional tournament will be played at Cedarbrook Country Club in State Road. Elkin will serve as the host school. The 2A Midwest Regional tournament will be played at Cross Creek Country Club in Mount Airy, with North Surry serving as the host school.

MARCH 2012

Spring Sports: In Focus

Special athletes, special event Surry County’s Special Olympics will be April 27 at North Surry High By Kaylee Brown Contributing Writer The Special Olympics program is an organization that reaches out to athletes with special needs all around the world. Amazingly, the program began with one woman’s dream and her own backyard. The games were created by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and they were first held in 1962. By 1972, the program was granted the title “Olympics” by the official Olympics committee and these are still the only two programs using the name. Today, 50 years later, the games have spread to more than 170 countries, with more than three million participants of all ages. The games are held at many different levels: locally, statewide, nationally, and then worldwide. Every year games are held at a county level and athletes in the community get their chance to come out and shine. For Surry County Special Olympics, the games are held on chosen school grounds and the school holding the event is responsible for raising the money necessary to sponsor the cost. Last year’s events were held on the grounds of Elkin High School and this year they will be held on North Surry High School’s campus. During the event, every high school, middle school and even elementary school student, is given the opportunity to participate in some way. Some work as “cheer squads” and make sure to shout out encouraging words of support for the athletes. Others get the honor of being a “Buddy”. Each participating athlete is assigned a Buddy for the day and that Buddy is responsible for sticking with the athlete and making sure that they make it to all of their events on time. Through personal experience with being a buddy, it is undeniably one of the most rewarding experiences a person could ever imagine. The athletes’ excitement is contagious and you cannot help but walk away feeling honored to have met them. For 2012 there is a new face for the Surry County Special Olympics. Chrystal Whitt is the new administrative assistant and Special Olympics assistant coordinator, and she was both informative and excited when spoken to about the upcoming games. “Special Olympics is one of the most rewarding and gratifying things I’ve ever been involved with,” she said. “The Special Olympics slogan is: ‘Let me win. But, if I cannot win,

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Timmy Sawyers from Surry Central High competed in last year’s Special Olympics games in Surry.

let me be brave in the attempt.’ “But this not only describes these athletes as they compete; it describes their whole life journey. They all have struggles and challenges that they were born with, so life itself can be a struggle… but they never let it stop them, and they never let it get them down. I look at them and feel so inspired.” With reference to this year’s events, Whitt explained what her favorite part of the program is. “The thing I look forward to this year is the athletes. The events are wonderful, but the athletes are the main reason I love this so much. I know I will learn more from them than they will ever learn from me…. And I will be all the better for it.”

Whitt expressed the same feelings toward the games that any participant could agree with. Watching the athletes get their moment in the spotlight, and standing amazed at what they can accomplish, is the most rewarding experience any volunteer could every seek. This year the games will be held April 27, and there will be a “Kick Off Party” held at Reeves Community Center on March 23 from 6-8 p.m. in the gym. There were more than 200 athletes who participated during last year’s events, and this year 233 were registered as of early March. The Special Olympics are much more than just a day of games and athletic events. They are a life changing phenomenon for all involved, especially the athletes. WWW.YADKINVALLEYSPORTS.COM

Best wishes to all area teams and athletes during the spring sports season “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club wont be worth a dime.” Babe Ruth

Top-notch sports coverage for the Yadkin Valley on the Web and in print www.yadkinvalleysports.com  Publisher Eric Lusk  eric@yadkinvalleysports.com