Spunq Sports Magazine Dec./Jan. 2017-2018

Dec./Jan 2017-2018 Vol. 1 Issue 8 FREE

NBN Sports Chris Thacker Jr.

Lance Boykin All-American

High Point Christian Academy

Where Jesus Christ is Lord And The People Are Loved

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SPUNQ SPORTS

December/January 2017-2018

December/January 2017-2018

SPUNQ SPORTS

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Do You Have Spunq?

CONTENTS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017-2018

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Reggie Parker NBN Sports Inc.

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Chris Thacker Jr. Smith High School Football

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Ricardo Davis Heartsavers USA

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Running For Her Life Nicole Kelly

Lance Boykin

HIGH POINT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ALL-AMERICAN Reese 18 Shawn Mendenhall Mustangs Football Knight 13 Rashaun Stumps Perfect Portions Spunq Sports Magazine is published bimonthly and is distributed in the Triad areas of North Carolina. We are not responsible for the comments made by our advertisers or the individuals that are featured. Please send all feedback and comments to spunqsports@gmail.com. This publication can’t be reproduced or republished without the written consent of the publisher.

2017 All Rights Reserved - Mykel Media Company, LLC

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SPUNQ SPORTS

December/January 2017-2018

I Think I Can, And I Will Try Again

Do You Have SPUNQ? PUBLISHER

Editor’s Note - Terry L. Watson

Terry L. Watson

At the turn of the New Year, it is a goal for most people to lose weight and become physically fit. Most importantly, it makes good sense to diet and exercise.

Besides the overall health benefits such as preventing diabetes, obesity and heart disease, having a physically fit body also helps to create a physically fit attitude.

One of the hardest things for me is to change my eating habits. One of the traps for me are the fast food drive-thru restaurants. One burger here, one fry there, and before I know it my pants just do fit me the way they used to. To make things even tougher, because I maintain such a busy schedule, I often miss my opportunity to work out at the gym. I have to do better.

I probably will not be joining any weight loss challenges, but I will challenge myself to do better and not just in January, but all throughout the year. Declaring these goals and not fulfilling them doesn’t make me a failure. However, by declaring goals and not even making an attempt to meet them will help to make me a greater candidate for all the ailments that dieting and exercising can prevent. Happy New Year!

EDITOR

Lolitta Stanfield CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Terry L. Watson WRITERS

Terry L. Watson Junious Smith III Dawn Cauthen Thornton

PHOTOGRAPHY

Shaw Photography Group Mykel Media Company, LLC Still Shots Photography

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FOOTBALL

Lance Boykin All-American

High Point Christian Academy 6

SPUNQ SPORTS

December/January 2017-2018

By Dawn Cauthen Thornton Photos by Shaw Photography Group

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he Boykin name runs deep through the halls of High Point Christian Academy in High Point, NC, and has done so for quite some time. Lamar Boykin helped charter the boys football program at the school, where he coached both of his sons, and was the first junior varsity head coach. Now he serves as the assistant coach. Ridge Boykin, Lamar’s oldest son, played football there, and the youngest son, Lance Boykin, proudly carries on his father’s name by breaking football records and earning awards as a senior. He can also be seen on the basketball court. Mom Angela quietly brings up the rear by being a motivator, a confidante, and the biggest cheerleader for the athletes in her life. Ridge often refers to her as the heartbeat of the family.

Lance started running down the field at the age of four with a ball in his hand and a flag in his pocket. His father noticed the potential, even then, and saw how his son could possibly follow in his footsteps. When he was Lance’s age, Lamar earned a scholarship to Guilford College. He was a four-year starter and holds the all-time interception record there. He didn’t play football professionally, but he knows Lance has the skill and dedication to get there. In addition to pioneering programs in High Point, Lamar also helped start the Ragsdale YMCA tackle football program, where Lance originally learned the game.

“My top three were Old Dominion, Coastal Carolina, and Purdue University.

But after Old Dominion offered me a full scholarship, the relationship really grew.”

“It was great having my dad as a coach. He was the first one to teach me everything I needed to know about the game,” says Lance. His dad echoes the same sentiment. Most men who are athletes dream about their children following in their footsteps and are hopeful that they forge ahead and go farther. Lamar reveled in the fact that he, along with other coaches, helped both his sons develop into the players they are today. The oldest, Ridge, is currently a redshirt sophomore at Campbell University, under the direction of former Carolina Panther Mike Minter.

Even though the fall term is coming to a close at the academy, Lance has already committed to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA next fall.

Choosing ODU wasn’t easy, considering he had a dozen full scholarship offers from Division 1 colleges across the country. “My top three were Old Dominion, Coastal Carolina, and Purdue University. But after Old Dominion offered me a full scholarship, the relationship really grew. Coach Wilder and his staff really believe in me and I felt really at home on the campus.”

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Lance tries to contain his excitement to embark on his college life while sitting in the presence of mom and dad. Leaving home will be tough for the teenager. Like most teens, he relies on his parents for guidance, love, and laundry, but promises he’ll adjust quickly. Angela thinks she knows what to expect since their oldest has been away for a couple years now. But realizing they’ll be empty-nesters in less than a year will take some getting used to. Frequent road trips to Old Dominion will most likely be in their future.

Choosing a school was a bit of a family affair for the Boykins, but it was ultimately Lance who made the decision. Lamar faced the same pressures decades ago and was able to guide Lance on what to look for in a school and in a coaching staff as well as what the coaches would look for in a player. The suitors apparently were impressed with Lance being the first All-American from his high school where he plays corner as well as receiver. He’s also a three-time All-American defensive back, a three-time all-conference defensive back, voted the 2017 MVP, and is the only player from his school to be selected to participate in the Blue-Gray All-American High School Bowl being held in Tampa, Florida next month. The game will be broadcast on ESPN as a national bowl game. If his sports don’t keep him busy enough, Lance is also the Student Council representative for the senior class.

“It’s definitely difficult to manage academics and sports. It can get stressful but I’ve been able to do it,” confesses Lance.

Balancing grades, athletics, and other activities can be less stressful when the school itself shows support for your vision. Lamar toots the horn of Head of School, Keith Curlee and the entire Christian community, with embracing his family. “It has caused all of us to grow spiritually, academically, and athletically. Coach Bell (football) and Coach Cooper (basketball) have both been great with my boys and I can’t thank them enough,” says Lamar.

Football is a major part of the Boykin family. Lance’s older brother, Ridge plays as a defensive end for Campbell University.

Angela also can’t help but gush about her baby boy and the strides he’s made over the years. She attributes his talents to God and knows that he’s a special person with special abilities. She teaches him that humility should always come first no matter where the future takes him. Lance has set his sights on playing in the NFL for his favorite team, the Carolina Panthers. After that, he intends to utilize the Sports Management or Business degree he plans on obtaining because he knows the league is not promised.

No matter what direction Lance goes, his faith and his family will keep him grounded. He’s a mature young man that is well equipped to blaze a trail in the sports S world and beyond.

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YOUTH SPORTS

You Have What It Takes

By Terry L. Watson Photos by NBN Sports

NBN (Nothing But Net) Sports Inc. is a non-profit organization that was established as a result of the ever-growing need in the city of Durham for positive reinforcement in our youth.

The primary focus of this organization is to create an outlet for children and teens by developing a variety of programs that support and encourage positive growth. Through various sports, mentoring, education, and wellness programs, NBN Sports Inc. aims to reduce gang activity, promote education and financial literacy, lower childhood obesity rates, and encourage healthy lifestyles by taking an active role in the individual lives of children throughout the area.

Mr. Parker founded NBN Basketball in 2006, which led to the opening of NBN SPORTS in 2014, a dedicated basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, and field hockey facility for the youth of Durham-Raleigh and Chapel Hill area. NBN Sports conducts camps and clinics annually for 750 youth players, training programs for 100 athletes, and facilitates AAU competitive experiences for an excess of 25 to 30 teams a year.

NBN Sports began in 2006, when founder Reggie Parker went to visit his mom, who was a principal at a local elementary school. While waiting, he noticed a boy with a basketball in the office. Excited to see the kid’s enthusiasm, Parker struck up a conversation with the boy, inquiring about what basketball camp he was going to attend that summer. “I’m not going to any basketball camps this summer. My mom can’t afford it,” Parker recalls the young boy saying. ​Those two sentences alone were the sole motivation behind NBN Sports.

NBN’s highly trained coaches and instructors offer specialized programs designed for kids at all levels, helping each individual achieve their athletic and educational goals. NBN Sports hosts a variety of basketball camps and clinics, personal and group training sessions, AAU programs, basketball leagues, and cheer and dance clinics. A program called NBNU, was developed and designed especially to support students academically by preparing them with the skill-sets necessary to achieve their educational and career goals.

Parker is a native of Durham, NC. He combines a unique combination of a player/coaching acumen and professional business leadership. Having worked over 25 years in RTP, NC, at the likes of companies such as Xerox, Glaxo, Cisco Systems, and Bayer. While there, he began to hone in on his business leadership skills. He started his playing days as early on as Elementary School to High School and on to College. Following

Without the support of many loyal and dedicated donors, NBN SPORTS would not be here today. Parker realizes every day that it is his responsibility to build a legacy in Durham and surrounding areas for youth and adults to continue and carry on. Moving forward, Parker hopes to expand NBN Sports into a larger facility, and be able to accommodate S more kids for all of its programs.

Reggie Parker - Director

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his playing days, Coach Parker turned his attention to youth sports. That is where he discovered a passion for teaching kids and developing their skills for the game of basketball. He has always had a commitment to the kids and to winning in life.

He has personally sacrificed for the greater good of the young people whose paths he crossed.

SPUNQ SPORTS

2410 Presidential Dr, Suite 114 Durham, NC 27703

December/January 2017-2018

www.nbn-sports.com

Diet and Exercise Can Help To Prevent A Stroke From Happening

Information provided by www.stroke.org

Lifestyle risk factors such as diet and exercise are part of controllable risk factors. Lifestyle risk factors are habits or behaviors people choose to engage in. If changed, they can directly affect some medical risk factors by improving them.

A healthy diet can help you reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve your overall health, and help you reach or maintain a healthy weight. Eating healthy includes making informed decisions about food choices and balancing your calories. The Key Recommendations from the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include the following: A variety of vegetables from all of the subgroups — dark green, red and orange, legumes (beans and peas), starchy, and other fruits, especially whole fruits.

Grains, at least half of which are whole grains. Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages.

A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, seeds, and soy products, and oils. Limit saturated fats and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium.

The following components are of specific concern with individuals needing to stay within specific calorie limits: Consume less than 10 percent of calories per day from added sugars Consume less than 10 percent of calories per day from saturated fats Consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day of sodium

In addition to the recommendations above, people of all ages— children, adolescents, adults, and older adults— should meet the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to help promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Excess weight puts a strain on the entire circulatory system. It can also make people more likely to have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, all of which can increase stroke risk.

Physical activity includes anything that gets your body moving.

A recent study showed that people who exercise five or more times per week have a reduced stroke risk. The latest recommendations from the Center for Disease Control on Physical Activity Guidelines for adults include the following: Moderate Activity 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week (brisk walking, water aerobics, bicycling) and two or more days a week of musclestrengthening activities.

Vigorous Activity 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week (jogging, running, swimming laps) and two or more days a week of musclestrengthening activities.

An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and two or more days a week of muscle-strengthening activities. Break it up. If you can’t fit a 30-minute activity in at one time, break it up into 10-minute segments. Remember that all physical activity counts.

Make physical activity fun. Walk or bike with a friend, take a dance class, and try different times of the day. Regular physical activity will improve your overall health and fitness, and reduce your S risk for chronic diseases.

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Heartsavers USA

H E A LT H

Saving Lives One Student At A Time Photos and Information Provided by Ricardo Davis

Heartsavers USA (formerly known as NC Heartsavers) is a locally owned CPR/First Aid training company. The organization was established in 2014. The company primarily serves the Piedmont Triad and surrounding areas.

Their mission is to increase awareness of the need for CPR/ First Aid training. Their goal is to have at least one individual in every household or workplace environment prepared with these lifesaving skills.

Heartsavers USA trains everyone from individuals to corporate clients. Some of their current clients include the US Army, Goodwill Industries, Town of Kernersville, and various medical practices in the Triad area.

The classes offered are based on the AHA & ECC Standards and include BLS for Healthcare Providers, Heartsaver CPR/AED, and First Aid for non-healthcare providers (Daycares, Teachers, Churches, Senior Centers, etc.). They also offer BLS and Heartsaver skill sessions, Friends and Family/ Hands Only CPR, and Blood Borne Pathogens training. All Instructors and classes are American Heart Association (AHA) certified. Onsite training is available.

They also provide free training at various community events. Most recently was, “Pink Goes Red” which was hosted by a local Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Chapter.

Listed are several descriptions of the training provided by Heartsavers, USA. First Aid –Learn the critical skills needed to manage an emergency until EMS arrives. Topics include first aid basics, medical, injury environmental emergency response, bleeding, sprain, broken bones, shock and others.

Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and AED Training – Learn how to respond to emergencies including cardiac arrest and choking. If you are ever needed to save a friend, family member, or neighbor’s life, this class will make sure you are prepared.

Skills Sessions – For those who have completed the online portion of the course we offer hands on skills sessions. (Basic Life Support and Heartsaver Sessions).

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www.heartsaversusa.com The founder of Heartsavers USA is Ricardo Davis. He is a father of three and a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Davis is a proud Alumni of NC A&T State University. He has served in the healthcare field for over 15 years and currently works for Cone Health in the role of Registered Polysomnographic Technologist. He is an active member of the Black and African American Healthcare network group (BAHNG), and often participates in community health fairs, helping to educate and provide general health information to the public.

He started as an instructor within Cone Health. In the spring of 2014 a friend and fellow instructor needed him to fill in for some of their community classes. After a month of assisting, Ricardo started scheduling and teaching some of his own community classes and from there NC Heartsavers was birthed.

His biggest inspirations come from the success stories in the community that you hear about involving CPR. “Stories where a child has saved their parents or siblings, or instances where a complete stranger has saved someone’s baby by using CPR,” he says.

Moving forward, Ricardo hopes to continue to educate, train and raise awareness within his community on the importance of possessing lifesaving skills. “I will continue to build relationships in the community with other organizations and partner on more community service projects involving CPR training,” he says. Stay tuned into Heartsavers USA by visiting their new website which is scheduled to be launched soon. S

NUTRITION

Stump’s Perfect Portions

“Preparing Healthy Meals So You Don’t Have To”

By Terry L. Watson Photos by Stumps Perfect Portions

Lets face it. With the hectic lives that we all live, it’s hard to eat healthy.

Not only does it take time and money to shop for quality ingredients, but the cooking process can be time consuming as well. Fortunately, there is someone who has come up with a solution for these challenges.

Stump’s Perfect Portions is a small meal prep company that was created to help individuals and families maintain a healthy lifestyle. Helping people make better choices based on nutritional information and portion sizes is what Knight says they do best. Their goal is to save you time and money while taking away the stress of grocery shopping and cooking. Their meals come freshly prepared and prepackaged. All that they ask you to do is heat and eat!

The menu offers a special that is changed weekly along with a variety of proteins, vegetables and carbs. There is definitely something for everyone.

Stump’s prices range from $6.50 to $8.00 per meal. Whether you are looking for a healthier option, a home cooked meal, or just looking for convenience, Stump’s will be glad to cook meals for you!

When it comes to Stump’s Perfect Portions, they offer much more than meal prep services. They offer full service catering as well. No matter the size of your event or the venue, Stump’s will meet the demand. They are truly about creating memorable experiences for you and your guest.

Stump’s catering is known for its tasty menu and trust worthy service. They strive for excellence and going beyond our clients’ expectations. Knight says he believes in fresh, quality ingredients, and use locally sourced meats and vegetables as much as possible. Their attention to detail along with their presentation is backed 100% by the Stump’s brand. We proudly serve Greensboro and the surrounding areas of the Triad. S

Rashaun Knight Order Online, Available For Pick Up & Delivery

www.eatstumps.com For more information, please call 336-451-9885

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TRACK & FIELD

Nicole

KELLY

Running For Her Life

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SPUNQ SPORTS

December/January 2017-2018

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By Dawn Cauthen-Thornton Photos by Shaw Photography Group

t shouldn’t come as a surprise that Nicole Kelly is a highly-decorated track and field star. After all, she does come from a long line of athletes, starting with her grandfather who was a football, basketball, and ping pong player as well as a lifeguard in his heyday. He seems to have passed that gene down to her mother, who also lent her physical talents to track as a young girl and still competes to this day.

When Nicole was just eight years old, she started playing basketball at her local YMCA in Williamsburg, Virginia. A few practices in, a coach noticed how fast she could run up and down the court and asked had she ever considered track. “I cried during my first practice!” Nicole laughs. “I didn’t know anything about running so I just went out real fast and my legs hurt so bad.” She worked through the pain, declared she wasn’t a quitter, and kept going. By her second year, Nicole jumped over 13 feet in the long jump and won her first national championship at nine years old. She felt things turning around for her and began to enjoy the sport.

“I remember watching Flo Jo (the late Florence Griffith Joyner), Carl Lewis, and Jackie Joyner Kersee on t.v. and being mesmerized. So my goal as a kid was to go to the Olympics.” Nicole knew that it wouldn’t be an easy task to get there. Hard work and determination are a part of her make-up, so there was no question that she was going to do as much as she could to make her dream a reality. Heading into her freshman year in high school, Nicole was a varsity basketball player and participated in both indoor and outdoor track. She was inundated with practices, games, and meets daily. By the end of that year, the young, determined athlete was burnt out.

Photo provided by Nicole Kelly

“My goal as a kid was to go to the olympics”.

Nicole Kelly

That’s when she realized she had to make a decision. She went to her mother, her confidante and voice of reason, to ask what she should do. “She told me that it was completely my decision, but that she knew I was better in track and it was more likely that I could get a scholarship in that area than in basketball.” Nicole thought long and hard about the sport that started her athletic career. She loved the game and didn’t want to give up basketball. But she also knew her Photo provided by Nicole Kelly Continued on the next page

October/November 2017

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body couldn’t take much more of the stress from two sports. The decision to drop basketball proved to be the best, considering she landed a full track scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh three years later. In 1998 her high school retired her jersey and also established ‘The Nicole Kelly MVP Award’ presented to the girls’ track MVP each year.

On why she chose the University of Pittsburgh – Nicole explains, “I really liked the coach and the things he said during his visit. He explained their academic and tutoring programs they had for student athletes. And that was very important to me.” As a Pittsburgh panther, her specialty was the pentathlon (5 events) which consisted of the hurdles, the high jump, the long jump, the shotput and the 800 meters, as well as the heptathlon (7 events) adding the javelin and the 200 meters. In 2000 and 2001 she placed first in the heptathlon for the Big East conference, breaking the record both years. In the latter year, the women’s team walked away with the Championship title for the ECAC.

In 1998 her high school retired her jersey and also established ‘The Nicole Kelly MVP Award’ presented to the girls’ track MVP each year.

In 2004, she still had her sights set on qualifying for the Olympics and moved to Greensboro to utilize the coaches and facilities at N.C. A&T. Though she was able to get in the best shape she’s ever been in, she was unable to qualify at the trials, for various reasons, including an injury. She was now at another crossroads in her young life. Should she give it another try or simply move on? Still getting offers to train with organizations, Nicole made the most difficult decision, to hang up her running shoes and admire the Olympics from afar.

She wasn’t sedentary for too long though.

In addition to getting a full time job, she began competing in local gym competitions to make sure she stayed active and healthy. Even now, she still competes in track and field on the master’s level for athletes 30 and over. “Three years ago my mom came to one of my meets and saw a mother/daughter duo competing. The daughter was in her 60’s and the mother was in her 80’s. My mom realized she could do it too.” Now her 57 year old mom and her aunt both lace up their sneakers. Nicole taught her aunt how to throw the javelin which led to her winning a competition and ranking 7th in the nation.

Starting in 2014 Nicole won the javelin and the shot put, and placed in the top five in the high jump, four years in a row. She regularly participates in games in NC and VA and is currently preparing to compete in the World Championships in Spain in 2018 and hopes to obtain sponsorship to help with expenses. Nicole is proof that you should never give up on your dreams. You may just have to take a detour to an alternate location. S

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Photo provided by Nicole Kelly

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Coach Shawn Reese It’s All About Giving Back

By Junious Smith III Photos by Levester Hart

S

hawn Reese has been a staple in the Greensboro football community over the past 13 years, coaching teams before players get to the high school level. A volunteer coach and offensive coordinator with Pop Warner teams, including the Southwest Jets, Reese has spent the past three seasons coaching at Mendenhall Middle School working the first two in a similar capacity.

This season was Reese’s first as the assistant head coach and he was able to help Mendenhall pick up a 5-2 record. The former Page High School linebacker and tight end also grew up playing at Mendenhall, along with the recreational centers in the city.

“It means a lot to be able to give back to the community,” Reese said. “I played at all of the rec centers here, so it feels good to be able to give back and teach the game. I started coaching at the Lewis Rec Center with 11 and 12-year-olds for about six years before moving on to Pop Warner and spending time as a defensive coordinator at Northern.

“This season, (Mendenhall) was in a stacked conference with a lot of competition. We were coconference champions in a four-way tie.” Reese said it feels like everything has come full circle, coaching his former school while also looking to instill character in the new generation of players.

“With me playing football growing up, I’ve looked at it as the best team sport,” Reese said. “It teaches kids how to be a part of a team and gives them responsibility. It’s a bit like the military because there’s a lot of precision involved with the game and it teaches them the tactics to be successful collectively.

I loved the game growing up — it helped me to become more responsible — and I wanted to teach kids the same thing.”

Reese said being a coach deals with much more than drawing up plays and running practices.

“As a coach, you’re doing more than just teaching football,” Reese said. “You have to give back and make sure they understand more of the world. Coaches didn’t have to deal with social media back then and nowadays it can be hard for us to be both a friend and a coach to the kids.

“As a coach, the philosophy is that the kid has to want to run through a brick wall for you. That’s how you know you’re getting through to them, when he

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beyond the football field and mentor them with what life has to offer. Some kids have both parents, but others don’t have a father figure so it feels good to be able to step in and garner the trust that you’ll do the right thing.”

In the offseason, Reese also runs a program in Greensboro to reduce the possibility of damaging hits in football, teaching the proper way to make plays without concussions.

“I run a training program called Hut Hut Football training where we teach proper tackling technique,” Reese said. “We do a lot of core work on stabilizing the head and shoulders, making sure the kids are hitting properly. With so much fear about concussions in football, it’s best to teach as early as possible.”

Reese said getting players into the game at a young age is best for their development, particularly when it comes to having the basics down before the high school game.

“It’s never too early for kids to learn,” Reese said.

“There’s no such thing as ninth grade varsity and a lot of times, kids may go to high school football with no guarantee to make the team. It’s a good thing to learn the game early and pick up the teaching in youth league. There are players who come to high school without being able to reminisce about middle school, and they may not be as athletically inclined before getting behind the curve.” Along with getting better acclimated to the game, Reese said there’s a stronger chance of making it to the collegiate level.

“Football gives a lot of guys quite the opportunity,” Reese said. “They can look for scholarships and a lot of times they can get their education paid for.

Not everyone can be a Division I athlete, some can get a full scholarship at DII and even at the DIII level there are ways to get a scholarship or receive financial aid to get there. The sport can carry kids a long way over just playing.” Reese said he wants to continue progressing as a coach and make it to higher levels in the future.

“I graduated from Guilford College in sports management, knowing I wanted to coach at the high school and possibly college level,” Reese said. “This is something I love to do and I’m working every day to improve. I’m going to all of the clinics, learning from other coaches and utilizing what they’ve said with my own philosophy to become better in this profession.” Reese said he would prefer to continue coaching in Greensboro if he’s able to go further. “It can be tough to break into high school football locally, but God willing, I’ll make it to that next level.” S

A Throwback From Way Back

A Selection From The 1993 Men’s Basketball Line Up For Grimsley High School in Greensboro, NC

CONGRATULATIONS To the 2017 MEAC Champions of

NC A&T State University Undefeated Regular Season

12-0 Rayshon Seymore

Mike Workman

Sean Stimpson

Matt Kovarik

Adrian Watson

Submit your photo(s) to be featured in the next edition of SPUNQ SPORTS MAGAZINE for February 2018.

Not all photos submitted will be featured. Please send via email to spunqsports@gmail.com

SPUNQ SPORTS

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FOOTBALL

By Junious Smith III Photos by Chris Thacker Sr.

Chris Thacker Jr. The Revival Of Ben L. Smith Football In 2017 Can Be Attributed To Numerous Factors, With Unselfishness Being High On The List

Since a 10-2 season in 2010, the Golden Eagles go a combined 14-50 with no playoff appearances over the next six years. Ben L. Smith would change its fortunes in 2017, winning five games and reaching the postseason for the first time in seven years. “The seniors we had on this team were good,” Chris Thacker Jr. said. “They were great leaders and we wanted (to win) more this year. As juniors, we took it to heart too and we’ve progressed over the past couple of years, winning two games (in 2015) and three games last year.”

Thacker Jr. made one of the biggest sacrifices for the team, switching from playing outside linebacker in 2016 to running back this year. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior said it was tough to switch positions, but he wanted to do anything for the Golden Eagles.

“The coaches were telling me to work on it in the summertime after seeing me play around in the gym,” Thacker said. “I worked four months trying to get my footwork and balance right, and moving in space.”

The work paid off for Thacker Jr., who led the team with 474 yards rushing on 5.1 yards per carry while adding 15 catches for 213 yards and four total touchdowns. On the ground, his best effort came with a 7-carry, 86-yard game against Western Guilford in a 42-6 blowout in the regular-season finale Nov. 3, and his greatest play came Oct. 20 against North Forsyth when he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass in the Golden Eagles’ 27-24 Senior Night victory.

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“That night was all about the seniors,” Thacker said. “I wanted to look good for myself and it felt good to get the touchdown, but it was more for them.”

Ben L. Smith may have done just as much — if not more — for the community. The Golden Eagles didn’t have play any home games in 2016 due to construction on a new stadium before going 3-3 on campus this year.

The team’s biggest highlight of the season came on Sept.

15, when the Golden Eagles hosted Eastern Guilford and upset the Wildcats 14-11. Eastern Guilford would end up winning their next nine games from there, falling to New Hanover 32-29 just one contest shy of a NCHSAA 3A state championship appearance.

“It meant a lot being an underdog and beating the No. 7 team in the state,” Thacker Jr. said. “We didn’t win them all, but just making the playoffs was big for us after winning just three games last year.

“We had a lot of support from the community — they made it easier for us. Last year, we had to play all away games and this year the fans filled up the stadium every home game. They know we’ve been through a lot and we’re thankful for them.”

Thacker Jr.’s father, Chris Thacker Sr., said he’s been impressed with his son’s work on and off the field, including his transition from defense to offense.

“He’s disciplined and shifty on his feet,” Thacker Sr. said. “He moved from outside linebacker to running back this season — he was a very impressive defensive player in JV before playing varsity his sophomore season.

Academically, he’s an A-B student and has been a great son.”

Chris Thacker Sr. said his son has continued to progress in life despite losing a major supporter in his life early.

“He’s been through a lot growing up with his mom passing when he was 9,” Thacker Sr. said. “He’s stayed focused, kept his head in the books and has continued to make great choices, even when I’m not around. He’s taken up football since he was 7 and truly has a passion for it. During the weekends he’s studying college and NFL games, so it lets me know this is definitely a goal for him besides school and he wants to achieve them.”

Thacker Jr. said he wants to do everything in his power to ensure he does right by his mother. “I just want her to look down on me and be proud of what I’m doing.”

Next season, Thacker Jr. said he’s planning to take more of a leadership role as a senior and wouldn’t mind playing both running back and linebacker for the Golden Eagles.

Thacker played sparingly defensively this season with 11 tackles in order to focus on the other side of the ball.

“I want to make sure the team is straight and all the younger guys know what to do,” Thacker said. “I feel like I can be a great leader and help, while also getting better stat-wise. I want to play both sides of the ball next year and be an asset, but most importantly I’m focused on making sure we win every game we play.”

The drive to improve on a strong 2017 campaign is what motivates Thacker Jr. and the Golden Eagles.

Although the great season ended with an unceremonious thud in the first round of the NCHSAA 3A state playoffs to Lee County, Thacker said there’s a lot to be proud of as the team continues to rise.

“From the outside looking in, people wondered why we were so happy although we lost our first-round playoff game 40-0,” Thacker Jr. said. “We’re proud of ourselves and the legacy we’re creating because we’ve done something others haven’t been able to accomplish at Smith. I appreciate everyone I played with and this is one of the best teams I’ve ever played on.”

Thacker said he’s hoping for even more success next season, team-wise and individually. The junior has garnered some interest from schools such as South Carolina State and Western Carolina, but wants to solidify a position in the near future.

“Academically, I want to finish toward the top of my class with a 3.5 or 4.0,” Thacker said. “On the football field, I want to win a ring and have some scholarship offers. It’s S all I’ve wanted to do ever since I came to Smith.”

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December/January 2017-2018

SPUNQ SPORTS

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December/January 2017-2018