Three MCA teams recognized at Coaches Clinic

The Millennium Charter outdoor track and field teams were both awarded the NCHSAA’s Scholar-Athlete Team Award for the 2021-22 school year.

Millennium Charter Academy Athletic Director Rodney King, right, receives the Scholar-Athlete Team Award from NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker.

The 2020-21 Millennium Charter softball team earned a perfect 4.0 GPA as a team.

Three teams from Millennium Charter Academy were recognized for their academic achievement at the 2022 N.C. Coaches Association’s annual Coaching Clinic.

Both the Lions’ boys and girls outdoor track teams from this past spring were awarded the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s (NCHSAA) Scholar-Athlete Team Award.

The Award is given in every sport to the team that recorded the highest combined grade point average. There were more than 420 eligible NCHSAA member schools for the 2021-22 school year.

Millennium’s girls track team had a perfect 4.0 GPA, and the boys team had a 3.7 GPA.

In addition to the track awards given to teams competing in the 2021-22 school year, MCA also had a team from the 2020-21 school year recognized. The Lions’ softball team from spring 2021 was also presented the Scholar-Athlete Team Award in just the school’s first year as an NCHSAA member.

Millennium’s softball team also had a combined 4.0 GPA.

“Our athletes are students first, and they are required to put a lot of hard work in their academics at MCA in order to play sports,” said Athletic Director Rodney King. “MCA athletes are held to a very high academic standard due to the rigorous academic classes. Ninety-five percent of our student-athletes have a 3.5 or higher GPA.

“Being recognized by NCHSAA for having the highest team GPAs in men’s and women’s track and softball was a great honor, and we at MCA are proud of how hard our student-athletes work to maintain such high GPAs while also excelling athletically in their sports.”

Awards for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years were presented at this year’s Coaches Clinic since no clinic was held the past two years due to the pandemic.

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CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — The Women’s Golf Coaches Association recently announced Surry Community College’s Hadly Tucker as an All-American Scholar Team selection for the 2021-22 year.

The criteria for being named to the WGCA All-American Scholar Team is some of the most stringent in all of college athletics. Student-athletes must earn a minimum 3.50 grade point average during the academic year while participating in college golf.

“We are very proud of Hadly as a student-athlete in earning this prestigious award,” said Surry athletic director Mark Tucker. “Her pursuit of excellence in the classroom was rewarded by receiving this honor.”

Hadly finished eighth overall in the Sandhills Flyers Invitational hosted by the Longleaf Golf Course in Southern Pines. The East Surry graduate recorded her highest finish at fourth overall in the Davidson-Davie Storm Invitational hosted by Colonial Country Club in Thomasville.

“While Hadly was new to golf, she made improvements throughout the season,” Mark said.

Tucker graduated from Surry this past spring with an Associate in Arts degree. She will be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro starting this fall.

The WGCA, founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization representing women’s collegiate golf coaches. The WGCA was formed to encourage the playing of college golf for women in correlation with a general objective of education and in accordance with the highest tradition of intercollegiate competition.

Today, the WGCA represents over 600 coaches throughout the U.S. and is dedicated to educating, promoting and recognizing both its members and the student-athletes they represent.

Surry Central High School hosted the first-ever Golden Eagle Tennis Camp July 12-14.

The camp was led by Surry Central boys tennis coach Mason Midkiff, as well as current/former members of the boys and girls varsity tennis teams.

The Mount Airy Granite Bears were named the Northwest 1A Conference Cup Champions for the 2021-22 school year.

This marks Mount Airy’s first Conference Cup since the 2017-18 school year. The Granite Bears most recently finished third in the NW1A Cup in 2020-21.

The Wells Fargo Conference Cup is a companion to the Wells Fargo Cup and recognizes schools with the best overall interscholastic athletic performances within individual conferences. In most conferences, points are awarded based on participation and standings in conference play. Each conference determines its own method of awarding points.

Since the NW1A Conference is composed of seven schools, teams were awarded seven points for each conference championship victory. Second-place finishes earned a school six points, third-place finishes earned five points and one fewer through seventh place.

If schools tied in the final standings, each team would split an equal amount of points. For example: Mount Airy, Elkin and South Stokes tied for first place in girls soccer so all three teams received six points.

Schools that did not have enough participants to compete as a team in a particular sport weren’t given any points in that sport.

Full standings for the NW1A Conference Cup are below:

Mount Airy won eight conference championships out of 21 total sports; seven of the eight were outright championships, while one was shared. The Bears conference titles came in the following sports: football, boys soccer, girls tennis, girls basketball, wrestling, girls indoor track, girls soccer (tied) and boys tennis.

In addition to winning the most conference titles of any NW1A team, the Granite Bears also had the most second-place finishes in the conference. Mount Airy finished second in seven sports: girls golf, volleyball (tie), boys basketball, boys swim, girls swim, baseball and boys golf. The Bears also finished third in boys indoor track and boys outdoor track.

Mount Airy fielded teams in 19-of-21 total sports and finished in the top three of 17. The school only had one seventh-place finish this school year.

Elkin had the second-most conference championships with seven – six outright and one shared – and tied with East Wilkes for the second-most second-place finishes.

The Buckin’ Elks’ won the following conference titles: boys cross country, girls cross country, volleyball, boys swim, girls swim, girls soccer (tie) and girls outdoor track. Elkin’s four runner-up finishes came in: boys soccer, girls indoor track, boys golf and boys tennis (tie). The school’s three third-place finishes came in girls golf, girls tennis (tie) and softball (tie).

Elkin fielded a team in 20-of-21 sports; no NW1A fielded all 21 sports. The Elks finished outside the top three in six sports, including two seventh-place finishes.

After Elkin was South Stokes. South won five conference championships, including one shared title.

The Sauras five conference titles came in the following sports: girls golf, boys basketball, baseball, boys golf and girls soccer (tie). South finished second in girls cross country and girls outdoor track, and third in both football and softball (tie).

South Stokes fielded teams in 16-of-21 sports. The Sauras finished outside the top three in seven sports, and were seventh in one.

Starmount followed South Stokes in the final standings. The Rams won two conference championships: an outright title in boys outdoor track, and a shared title in softball.

Starmount added two second-place finishes – football and wrestling – and had the most third-place finishes of any NW1A team with six: boys soccer, girls tennis (tie), girls basketball, boys swim, girls swim and baseball.

The Rams fielded teams in 16-of-21 sports. Starmount finished outside the top three in eight sports, and didn’t have any seventh-place finishes.

East Wilkes won its only conference championship by sharing the softball title with Starmount. The Cardinals tied Mount Airy with the most second-place finishes with four, coming in the following sports: girls tennis, girls basketball, boys indoor track and boys tennis (tie).

East Wilkes added third-place finishes in wrestling, girls indoor track and girls outdoor track.

The Cards fielded teams in 17-of-21 sports. East Wilkes finished outside the top three in nine sports, and didn’t have any seventh-place finishes.

North Stokes won its only conference title in boys indoor track. The Vikings added a second-place finish in boys outdoor track, and two third-place finishes in girls tennis (tie) and boys basketball.

North fielded teams in 15-of-21 sports. The Vikings finished outside the top three in 11 sports, including four seventh-place finishes.

Alleghany’s only top three appearance was in volleyball, where the Trojans tied for second with Mount Airy. Alleghany fielded 16-of-21 teams, finished outside the top three in 15 of those and had four seventh-place finishes.

DOBSON — The Surry Community College volleyball team hosted its annual youth camp July 11-13.

The camp was held in the campus gym and consisted of 78 campers ranging from rising fourth graders to rising eighth graders. Coaches and members of the Surry volleyball team instructed each camper in the areas of serving, passing, spiking, digging and other skills during the camp.

“We had a tremendous camp, and all of those that attended received some great instruction from our players and coaches,” said head coach Caleb Gilley. “Our college team members did an outstanding job with helping teach and develop the fundamentals of volleyball. Hopefully this camp helped to spark an interest in young girls to play volleyball. There are a lot of very talented young volleyball players in our area.”

Several campers earned individual honors by grade.

Coaches Award: Lori Lynn Whitaker

Server of the Week Award: Hannah Smith

Camper of the Wee Award: Ada King

Server of the Week Award: Adelyn Wall

Camper of the Wee Award: Lilyana Mathis

Server of the Week Award: Sammi Moser

Camper of the Wee Award: Peyton Cameron

Server of the Week Award: Rozlyn Oakley/Lilie Allen

Camper of the Wee Award: Makenzie Wall

Server of the Week Award: Alyssa Jenkins

Camper of the Wee Award: Mae Danley

At the conclusion of the camp, several door prizes and awards were presented along with all participants receiving a camp shirt.

Surry Community is coming off a 24-5 season finishing as Region 10 Western Division Champions along with being ranked nationally by the NJCAA. The Lady Knights will open up the 2022 fall volleyball season on August 19 traveling to Wilmington for the Cape Fear Invitational Tournament. Surry’s home opener is scheduled for August 23 at 6:30 pm against Rockingham.

For more information on Surry volleyball, visit knights.surry.edu

Three teams from Millennium Charter Academy were recognized for their academic achievement at the 2022 N.C. Coaches Association’s annual Coaching Clinic.

Both the Lions’ boys and girls outdoor track teams from this past spring were awarded the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s (NCHSAA) Scholar-Athlete Team Award.

The Award is given in every sport to the team that recorded the highest combined grade point average. There were more than 420 eligible NCHSAA member schools for the 2021-22 school year.

Millennium’s girls track team had a perfect 4.0 GPA, and the boys team had a 3.7 GPA.

In addition to the track awards given to teams competing in the 2021-22 school year, MCA also had a team from the 2020-21 school year recognized. The Lions’ softball team from spring 2021 was also presented the Scholar-Athlete Team Award in just the school’s first year as an NCHSAA member.

Millennium’s softball team also had a combined 4.0 GPA.

“Our athletes are students first, and they are required to put a lot of hard work in their academics at MCA in order to play sports,” said Athletic Director Rodney King. “MCA athletes are held to a very high academic standard due to the rigorous academic classes. Ninety-five percent of our student-athletes have a 3.5 or higher GPA.

“Being recognized by NCHSAA for having the highest team GPAs in men’s and women’s track and softball was a great honor, and we at MCA are proud of how hard our student-athletes work to maintain such high GPAs while also excelling athletically in their sports.”

Awards for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years were presented at this year’s Coaches Clinic since no clinic was held the past two years due to the pandemic.

DOBSON — The Foothills Senior Legion Team didn’t go down without a fight in its Area III Tournament Series against Mocksville Post 174.

Post 123 trailed for the better part of five innings in Game Three, which was hosted at Surry Central High School on July 11. A 3-run performance in the bottom of the fifth inning put the Foothills seniors ahead for the first time at 4-2. However, Post 174 bounced back and scored four runs over the next two innings – including three runs in the top of the seventh – to come away with the 6-4 victory.

The fourth-seeded Foothills team won the opening game of the best 2-of-3 series by shutting out Mocksville 4-0. Post 123 only allowed one hit while picking up eight of their own. Mason Howell (West Stokes High School ‘22) got the win on the mound by throwing 10 strikeouts in four innings, then Brady Edmonds (Surry Central HS ‘22) threw three innings and struck out four batters.

Post 174 kept the series alive by defeating Post 123 6-5 in a 10-inning thriller that featured a combined 23 hits. A 2-2 game through seven innings, Mocksville and Foothills each scored once in the eighth inning and twice in the ninth. Post 174 forced a Game Three with a 10th-inning walk-off.

Mocksville came out swinging in the win-or-go-home game. With just one out on the board, Post 174’s Dan Loyd hit a solo home run out of left field in the top of the first inning. Mocksville added two singles with a strikeout thrown by Styles Geramita (Carlisle School, Va. ‘23) sandwiched in-between, and then Post 123 escaped without any further damage.

The visitors put another runner on base in the top of the second inning, but this one was thrown out attempting to steal second by Foothills catcher Reece Hagwood (Elkin HS ‘23). Logan Dowell (Mount Airy HS ‘22) made the tag, then Edmonds forced a ground out with a throw to Ethan Ball (West Stokes HS ‘22) that ended the inning.

Hagwood had Foothills’ only hit of the first two innings in the bottom of the second. He sent a hard ground ball between third and short, then took advantage of a fielding error in left field to go to second base. Hagwood moved to third when Beau Callahan (Elkin HS ‘23) flied out, but was left on base at the end of the inning.

Four consecutive singles by Post 174 led to the team’s second run. Mocksville even had two runners on base when Tristen Mason (East Surry HS ‘22) caught a pop fly for out No. 3 in the top of the third.

Post 123 was able to mount some offense in the bottom of the third after going down two runs. Carson Willoughby (East Surry HS ‘21) was walked with two outs, then advanced to second when a pick-off attempt hit the dirt and sailed into right field. Mason scored his former Cardinal teammate with a hit to left field.

Foothills didn’t have any problems connecting with Mocksville pitches, which was apparent given Post 174 didn’t strike out a Post 123 player until the bottom of the sixth. However, the Foothills seniors struggled to find holes in Mocksville’s defense.

Even when Post 123 did get a runner on base, it seemed like it always came with two outs already on the board.

This all changed in the bottom of the fifth inning. Daniel Shearin (Grayson County HS, Va. ‘22) led off with a stand-up double, then was moved to third on a bunt from Landon Jackson (Elkin HS ‘21). Jackson also beat the throw to first to put runners on the corners.

Willoughby brought Shearin in for the score by taking Post 174’s first pitch and sending it to left field. Jackson advanced to third on the throw home, and Willoughby moved to second at the same time.

Mason flied out on a hit down the third-base line. Jackson tagged up and beat the throw home to give Foothills a 3-2 advantage – the home team’s first lead of the game. Dowell extended the lead to 4-2 with an RBI single that scored Willoughby.

Mocksville cut into the Foothills lead in the sixth to make it a one-run game. The Post 174 leadoff doubled, moved to third on a ground out and ran home on another ground out.

Callahan got on base in the bottom of the seventh with a chance to extend the lead, but three quick outs left the score at 4-3.

Willoughby took over on the mound for Post 123 in the seventh. Mocksville’s first batter was walked after facing a full count. While many of the home fans clamored that Willoughby’s pitch warranted strike three, the umpires sent the batter to first for a base on balls.

The next batter was Loyd, who was 3-for-3 on the night with a home run and two singles. A similar situation saw the batter face a full count, but this time strike three was called and the first out was put on the scoreboard.

Post 174’s Ryan Thiel picked up a hit to right field that sent his teammate around second and headed to third. An error getting the ball back to the infield allowed the runner to score the game-tying run, while also allowing Thiel to reach third. The next batter was hit by a pitch to put runners on the corners.

Post 123 had a chance to escape the inning with a tie after Jackson Sink hit a ground ball to the middle infield. Foothills tagged second and attempted to throw to first for a double play, but the throw missed the mark allowing Thiel to score and Sink to reach second. The next batter hit an RBI single to score Sink and make it 6-4 in the visitors’ favor.

Down but not out, Post 123 went to bat needing two runs to force another extra-inning game.

Shearin faced a full count and was walked, then Jackson struck out with a full count. Willoughby was walked as well to join Zach Bryant (North Surry HS ‘21), who was running for Shearin, on base. Both runners moved to scoring position on a ground out, then a strikeout ended the game.

Mocksville Post 174 advances in the Area III Tournament and will face the No. 1-seeded Rowan County team in the next round.

Post 123’s season ends with a 14-6 overall record.

The East Surry Cardinals were named the Foothills 2A Conference Cup Champions for the 2021-22 school year.

East Surry has now won a Conference Cup each of the past four years. The Cards’ previous three Cup victories came as part of the Northwest 1A Conference.

The Wells Fargo Conference Cup is a companion to the Wells Fargo Cup and recognizes schools with the best overall interscholastic athletic performances within individual conferences. In most conferences, points are awarded based on participation and standings in conference play. Each conference determines its own method of awarding points.

Since the FH2A Conference is composed of seven schools, teams were awarded seven points for each conference championship victory. Second-place finishes earned a school six points, third-place finishes earned five points and one fewer through seventh place.

If schools tied in the final standings, each team would split an equal amount of points. For example: West Wilkes and Forbush tied for first in softball, so instead of one getting seven points and the other getting six points, both teams received 6.5 points.

Schools that did not have enough participants to compete as a team in a particular sport weren’t given any points in that sport.

The full standings for the FH2A Conference Cup are below:

East Surry won seven conference championships out of 21 total sports. The Cardinals won conference titles in: football, volleyball, girls tennis, boys indoor track, boys swimming, baseball and boys golf.

East also finished second in three sports – boys basketball (tied), girls indoor track and boys tennis – and third in three sports – girls basketball (tied), girls swim and girls soccer.

The Cards fielded a team in all 21 sports, finished outside the top three in eight sports, didn’t finish last in any sport and only finished sixth once.

FH2A Conference Cup Runner-up Surry Central won five conference championships: girls cross country, wrestling, girls indoor track, girls outdoor track and boys tennis.

The Golden Eagles finished second in six sports – boys cross country, boys soccer, football (tied), girls tennis (tied), boys indoor track and girls swimming – and third in four sports – volleyball, boys swimming, boys outdoor track and boys golf.

Surry Central fielded a team in 20-of-21 sports, only finished outside the top three in four sports and only finished seventh once.

Just behind Surry Central was Forbush, who most recently won the Western Piedmont 2A Conference Cup in 2020-21. Forbush was joined in the WPAC by North Surry and Surry Central from 2013-2021.

Despite only winning conference championships in two sports – boys soccer and softball (tied) – Forbush was runner-up in 10 sports: football (tied), girls tennis (tied), girls basketball, boys basketball (tied), boys swimming, baseball, girls outdoor track, boys outdoor track, boys golf and girls soccer.

The Falcons fielded teams in 20-of-21 sports, finished outside the top three in six sports and had one seventh-place finish.

North Surry, who finished fourth in the Conference Cup standings, won four conference championships in 2021-22. The Greyhounds finished first in: girls golf, girls basketball, boys basketball and girls swimming.

North Surry also tied for second in football, and finished third in: girls cross country, boys soccer, boys indoor track and baseball (tied). The Hounds fielded 21-of-21 teams, finished outside the top three in 12 sports and finished seventh once.

Wilkes Central, who finished fifth in the FH2A Cup standings, was the only other team to win multiple conference titles. The Eagles won conference championships in the following sports: boys cross country, boys outdoor track and girls soccer.

Wilkes Central finished second in two sports – girls cross country and girls golf – and finished third in three sports: girls basketball (tied), girls indoor track and softball. The Wilkes Eagles fielded teams in all 21 sports, finished outside the top three in 13 sports and never finished seventh.

Wilkes Central and East Surry were the only two FH2A teams that fielded all 21 teams and never finished in seventh place.

West Wilkes won its only conference title by tying Forbush in the softball standings. The Blackhawks finished second in both volleyball and wrestling, then finished third in baseball (tied) and girls outdoor track.

West Wilkes fielded 17-of-21 sports, finished outside the three in 10 sports and finished seventh once.

North Wilkes did not finish in the top two of any sport, but finished third in both girls golf and wrestling. The Vikings fielded 18-of-21 sports, finished outside the top three in 16 sports and finished seventh in nine sports.

With the 2021-22 school year complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

Mount Airy competes in the Northwest 1A Conference (NW1A), Millennium Charter Academy competes in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference (NWPC), and East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central all compete in the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A).

No All-Conference Honorable Mentions were named in Outdoor Track and Field.

Student-athletes that earned All-Conference Honors in multiple events have the corresponding number listed after their name in parentheses

Boys Track and Field All-Conference

East Surry – Layton Allen, Lindann Fleming, Colby Johnson, Cooper Motsinger, Isaac Vaden (2), Kyle Zinn

Millennium Charter – no male All-Conference selections

Mount Airy – Connor Burrell (2), Declan Conner (2), Deric Dandy (2), Blake Hawks, Mason Hill, Tyler Mason, Caden Ratcliff (3), Caleb Reid (2), Mario Revels (2), Anthony Valadez, Ware Viers

Surry Central – Isaac Eller, Allen Huffman (2), Ignacio Morales (3), Chris Nava, Josue Rodriguez

East Surry finished fifth out of seven teams in the FH2A team standings, No. 11 of 26 teams at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship, and tied for No. 17 of 60 teams at the 2A State Championship.

Isaac Vaden swept the throwing events at the FH2A Championship by winning discus throw and shot put, Cooper Motsinger added a silver medal in the 3,200-meter run, and the relay team of Layton Allen, Kyle Zinn, Colby Johnson and Lindann Fleming finished second in the 4×100-meter relay.

Motsinger and Vaden went on to qualify for the state championship. Vaden won the 2A Midwest Regional Championship in discus throw while meeting the MileSplit US Second Team standard, and Motsinger finished fourth at regionals in the 3,200 meters. Vaden went on to win the 2A State Discus Championship, becoming East’s first-ever male track state champion, and Motsinger was No. 6 in the 3,200.

Millennium Charter finished sixth out of six teams in the NWPC team standings and No. 15 of 16 teams at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship.

Brody Krakenberg and Calvin Devore qualified for regionals as individuals, with Krakenberg competing in the 3,200 meters and Devore in the 800 meters. The pair also teamed with Hartley Devore and Isaac Shipley to compete in the 4×800 relay. The Lions did not send any male runners to the 1A State Championship.

Mount Airy finished third out of seven teams in the NW1A team standings and tied for No. 20 of 48 teams at the 1A State Championship. Team scores for the 1A West Regional Championship are not available on MileSplit.

Individually, four Granite Bears won conference titles: Caden Ratcliff in the 800 meters, Mario Revels in high jump, Deric Dandy in discus throw and Mason Hill in shot put. Blake Hawks and Declan Conner added individual silver medals: Hawks in the 200 meters and Conner in the 3,200 meters. Three Mount Airy relay teams finished second in their respective races: Connor Burrell, Tyler Mason, Caleb Reid and Dandy in the 4×100; Burrell, Reid, Ratcliff and Revels; Conner, Ratcliff, Ware Viers and Anthony Valadez in the 4×800.

Ratcliff and Hawks had second-place finishes at the 1A West Regional Championship; Ratcliff took silver in the 800 meters, and Hawks did so in triple jump. Dandy finished third in discus, and the 4×100 team of Revels, Burrell, Reid and Mason finished fourth.

The Bears’ 4×100 team wasn’t able to compete at the 1A State Championship due to an injury, but the three individuals did. Dandy finished fifth in discus, Hawks finished fifth in triple jump and Ratcliff finished fifth in the 800.

North Surry finished sixth out of seven teams in the FH2A team standings, No. 13 of 26 teams at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship, and tied for No. 15 of 60 teams at the 2A State Championship.

Jared Hiatt won all three of North Surry’s medals at the conference championship. Hiatt won the individual titles in long jump and triple jump, while finishing second in high jump. His mark in long jump met the MileSplit US Second Team Standard. Hiatt went on to win the 2A Midwest Regional high jump title and finish second in long jump, once against meeting the US Second Team standard. Hiatt won the 2A State Championship in long jump, and won a bronze medal in high jump.

Surry Central finished third out of seven teams in the FH2A team standings, No. 14 of 26 teams at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship, and tied for No. 31 of 60 teams at the 2A State Championship.

Ignacio Morales won the FH2A titles for the 1,600 and 3,200 meters, while also finishing second in the 800 meters. Allen Huffman won gold in the 300 hurdles, and joined Isaac Eller, Josue Rodriguez and Chris Nava on the Eagles’ 4×400 relay team that finished second. Morales and Huffman both qualified for the 2A State Championship, Morales by winning the 3,200 meters and Huffman for finishing third in the 300 hurdles at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship.

Morales went on to finish third in the 3,200 meters at the 2A State Championship, and Huffman was No. 15 in 300 hurdles.

The Foothills Post 123 Senior Legion team concluded its regular season with a home game against Eastern Randolph Post 81 on July 7.

Despite the scoreboard tilting in Randolph’s favor at the conclusion of Thursday’s game, the Foothills Senior Legion team came away with the victory due to an ineligible player on Post 81’s roster. The victory gave Post 123 win No. 13 on the season.

The Seniors finish the year 13-4 overall and 6-4 in conference competition, which is a vast improvement for the Mount Airy team compared to the past two seasons. The Post 123 Senior team went 0-17 in 2020 and 5-10 in 2021.

“The merging of West Stokes Seniors and Mount Airy Seniors to form the Foothills Seniors for 2022 has proved to be a great combination of talent and coaching that has helped us become more successful this season,” said coach Brian Hawks.

The 2022 Foothills team includes players from 10 different high schools in N.C. and Virginia: Mount Airy, East Surry, North Surry, Surry Central, Elkin, West Stokes, Carlisle School (Va.), Carroll County (Va.), Grayson County (Va.) and Patrick County (Va.).

The Seniors started the year 9-0. Eight of the team’s first nine wins came by multiple runs, with a 7-6 road victory over Greensboro being the team’s only one-run margin during that time.

Post 123 was 12-1 after its first month of competition. The team dropped its next three games in a five-day span, including back-to-back losses to the top-ranked team in Area III, Rowan County.

“Early on, our pitching and offense got the job done,” Hawks said. “But, as of late, that has been our Achilles’ heel, and is something we definitely have to turn around to win in the playoffs.”

The Post 123 Seniors begin the conference tournament against Mocksville-Davie. The first round is a best 2-of-3 series and is scheduled to run July 8-11 weather permitting. The winner of that series will take on the top-seeded Rowan team.

In addition to the Senior Legion team, Foothills Post 123 was able to field two junior squads in 2022. The Foothills Juniors are made up of all rising high school sophomores and juniors as well as a few rising seniors. Surry Pride primarily consists of rising high school freshman, with a few sophomores and juniors also on the team.

“Our future looks bright now that we have three teams and will possibly add a third Junior Team in 2023,” Hawks said. “The Foothills Juniors finished second in conference and made the playoffs, and our Surry Pride Team competed very well this season as a developmental team. The Stokes Juniors will also feed our senior team next year for what should be another great season for Post 123 baseball.”

“Special thanks to Mount Airy High School, East Surry High School and Surry Central High School and all of the coaches for their help making this season successful and for use of the facilities.”

A field of 72 ladies from across North Carolina and Southwest Virginia competed on Thursday, June 23, at Cross Creek Country Club in the 15th Annual Janice McCullough Memorial Tournament.

The tournament, sponsored by the Cross Creek Ladies Golf Association, features a Captain’s Choice format.

Two teams tied for first place with a score of 64, but following a playoff on the card, the team of Beth Anne Aheron of Deep Springs Country Club in Stoneville; Linda Collier of Hallifax Country Club in Hallifax, VA; Joanne Harper of Mountain Aire Golf Club in Ashe County; and Barbara Berrier of Cross Creek, took first place, while the team of Kelly Peircy of Silo Run Golf Course in Boonville; Linda Lumsden of Hallifax Country Club; Laurie Trout of Mountain Aire Golf Club, and Travis Underhill of Cross Creek finished in second place.

The team of Bonnie Montgomery of Bryan Park Golf Course in Greensboro; Jean Johnson of New River Golf Club in Sparta; Linda Kiser of Pilot Mountain; and Natasha Parsons of Mountain Aire finished in third place with a score of 65.

Three teams tied for fourth place with scores of 68. Following another playoff on the card, the team of Beth Calhoun of Mooresville; Kim Spivey of Skyland Lakes Golf Club in Fancy Gap, VA; Laurie Borgerson of Tanglewood, and Sara Bryant of Cross Creek finished in 4th place while the team of Kim Webb of Cross Creek; Alice Hill of Blue Ridge Country Club in Galax, VA; Sherry Tarnok of Oak Valley Golf Club in Advance; and Erika Cowez of Cross Creek won fifth place.

The team of Susan Morris from The Country Club of Salisbury; Alice Connolly of Cross Creek; Alphy Brandt of Skyland Lakes; and Molly Griesner of New River won sixth place.

The tournament is held each year in memory of Janice McCoullough, who was an enthusiastic golfer, instrumental in establishing the inclusive invitational format, open to all female golfers, regardless of club affiliation.

Tournament chairman Gina Vogler wishes to thank McCullough Tile and Stone in Winston Salem for their major contribution to the success of the tournament over the years along with Brannock & Hiatt Furniture Company in Mount Airy.

The tournament is held each year on the third Thursday in June.

With the 2021-22 school year complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

Mount Airy competes in the Northwest 1A Conference (NW1A), Millennium Charter Academy competes in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference (NWPC), and East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central all compete in the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A).

No All-Conference Honorable Mentions were named in Outdoor Track and Field.

Student-athletes that earned All-Conference Honors in multiple events have the corresponding number listed after their name in parentheses.

Girls Track and Field All-Conference

East Surry – Faith Braithwaite (3), Madeline Dayton (3), Arianna Liberatore (2), Ember Midkiff (2), Chloe Anne Tew, Clara Willard

Millennium Charter – River Edge (2), Ruby Hoerter (4), Clara Minix (3), Ava Utt (3)

Mount Airy – Audrey Marion, Sydney Seagraves

Surry Central – Andrea Gonzalez, Mia McMillen: FH2A Female Athlete of the Year (4), Yeira Munoz (2), Ella Priddy (3), Cassie Sneed, Ivy Toney (3), Madelyn Wilmoth (2)

East Surry’s girls finished fifth out of seven teams in the FH2A team standings, No. 18 of 29 teams at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship, and tied for No. 25 of 57 teams at the 2A State Championship.

Clara Willard won the conference title in discus throw, and the team of Faith Braithwaite, Madeline Dayton, Ember Midkiff and Arianna Liberatore won the 4×100-meter relay. The relay team of Braithwaite, Dayton, Midkiff and Liberatore also finished second in the 4×200 relay. Individually, Braithwaite finished second in the 200 meters, Dayton finished second in triple jump and Chloe Anne Tew finished second in high jump.

East’s Willard went on to win the 2A Midwest Regional Championship and 2A State Championship in discus throw.

Millennium Charter finished fourth out of seven teams in the NWPC standings, No. 10 of 14 teams in the 1A Midwest Regional Championship, and did not score at the 1A State Championship.

Ruby Hoerter earned All-Conference Honors in four events, including the Lions’ only conference championship victory which came in pole vault. She added three All-Conference performances by finishing second in the 3,200 meters, 4×400 relay and 4×800 relay. Hoerter teamed with River Edge, Clara Minix and Ava Utt on both relay teams. Minix added a second-place finish in the 800 meters, and Utt was second in high jump.

The 4×800 team of Utt, Minix, Hoerter and Edge went on to finish fourth at the 1A Midwest Regional Championship, then the group finished No. 11 at the 1A State Championship.

Mount Airy finished seventh of seven teams at the NW1A Championship. Team scores for the 1A West Regional Championship are not available on MileSplit.

Sydney Seagraves won the conference title in shot put, and Audrey Marion finished second in high jump. Seagraves went on to compete in the discus throw and shot put at the 1A West Regional Championship, finishing No. 8 in shot put and No. 10 in discus. Mount Airy did not send any girls to the 1A State Championship.

North Surry finished seventh of seven teams in the FH2A team standings, No. 26 of 29 teams at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship, and tied for No. 41 of 57 teams at the 2A State Championship.

Ella Riggs was the Lady Greyhounds’ lone conference champion by winning shot put. Riggs finished fourth at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship, then took fifth at the 2A State Championship.

Surry Central finished first of seven teams to win the FH2A Championship, No. 2 of 29 teams to finish runner-up at the 2A Midwest Regional Championship, and No. 8 of 57 teams at the 2A State Championship. Mia McMillen was named FH2A Female Athlete of the Year, and Kevin Pack was named FH2A Coach of the Year.

Individually, the Lady Golden Eagles won eight gold medals at the FH2A Championship. McMillen won four conference titles, doing so in long jump, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles and 100 meters. Yeira Munoz won the 3,200 meters, and Ivy Toney won pole vault. Two of Central’s relay teams also won gold: Toney, Andrea Gonzalez, Ella Priddy and Madelyn Wilmoth won the 4×400, and Munoz, Priddy, Toney and Wilmoth won the 4×800. Two Eagles added second-place finishes: Priddy in the 400 meters, and Cassie Sneed in discus throw.

Central had seven girls finish in the top four of the 2A Midwest Regional Championship to qualify for the 2A State Championship. McMillen won the regional championship in 300 hurdles, and then she teamed with Aylin Rodriguez, Toney and Priddy to win the 4×200 relay. The relay team of Wilmoth, Toney, Munoz and Priddy won gold in the 4×800. McMillen added second-place finishes in 100 hurdles and long jump, Munoz was second in the 3,200 meters and Sneed was second in discus throw. The relay team of Wilmoth, Rodriguez, Toney and Priddy finished second in the 4×400, and Toney finished third in pole vault.

At the 2A State Championship: McMillen won the state title in 300 hurdles, finished third in 100 hurdles, fifth in long jump, and teamed with Rodriguez, Toney and Priddy to finish sixth in the 4×200 relay; Sneed finished ninth in discus; Toney was No. 10 in pole vault; Munoz was No. 13 in the 3,200 meters; the relay team of Wilmoth, Rodriguez, Toney and Priddy finished sixth in the 4×400; the relay team of Wilmoth, Toney, Munoz and Priddy finished sixth in the 4×800.

Elkin High School will play host to a free soccer camp that gives area youth the opportunity to learn from an international coaching staff.

The camp, which will be led by the children of one of Elkin High School’s (EHS) most impactful alumni Dr. Nestor Oliveri, is available to kindergarteners through eighth graders, and is open to young athletes from all schools: not just students of Elkin City Schools (ECS).

Camp will be held July 18-22 and July 25-29 from 9-11 a.m. at Elkin’s Grissom Stadium. Luciano and Ariel Oliveri, as well as Ariel’s daughter Paloma, will lead the camp each day along with Elkin coaches Darren Pelkey, Dr. Evan Ballard and current EHS players.

Both brothers have backgrounds playing soccer at advanced levels. Luciano even competed for Argentina in the 1991 U-17 World Cup and was a member of Racing Club de Avellaneda.

The camp is free to attend thanks to sponsorship from the EHS Alumni Association, the ECS Board, the EHS Athletic Association and Elkin Academic Enrichment Foundation. Soccer balls will be provided at the camp.

There is no sign up necessary, and anyone interested just needs to show up at the camp and sign a contact/waiver sheet. With questions, contact EHS Athletic Director Josh Pardue at parduej@elkin.k12.nc.us

Luciano and Ariel Oliveri, both of Argentina, return to Surry County after previously visiting in early 2020. Their father was a foreign exchange student that graduated from EHS in 1964. Since soccer was not offered at Elkin at the time, Nestor played fullback and kicked for the football team.

Following graduation, Nestor returned to Argentina to attend medical school, became a doctor and opened a clinic serving the poor in Buenos Aires. He worked at a paying clinic to help raise a family and finance the free clinic.

When Luciano and Ariel first visited Elkin in 2020, they spoke of their late father’s desire to keep the free clinic open 24/7. Dr. Oliveri was dedicated to serving those most in need of help and wasn’t afraid to speak out against oppression. Ariel and Luciano said their father spoke out against the violation of human rights and political freedom by Argentina’s military dictatorship in the 1970s. As a result, Dr. Oliveri went into hiding for years until the dictatorship was overthrown and he could continue practicing medicine.

In a 2020 article in The Elkin Tribune, then-editor Bill Colvard – who attended Ariel and Luciano’s various presentations as part of their reunion – described Dr. Oliveri’s philosophy of social medicine as the following:

“In addition to fighting germs and viruses, social medicine also fights against social conditions and cultural practices that may cause disease. It involves not only treating disease but preventing disease by eradicating the social and physical conditions that cause it.

“For example, if a person has a gastrointestinal disorder because of unclean water with microorganisms, a doctor of social medicine would not only treat the problem with medicine but try to make changes in the community’s water supply that causes the disorder to recur which, in turn, requires more and more medicine.”

Ariel reflected on he and his brother’s first trip to Elkin in a column in The Elkin Tribune. In it, Ariel spoke of his father’s mentality, saying that he: “instilled in us that the most important things in life are priceless. Not everything of value can be bought with money. Not everything can be sold or converted to money. Money is not the main thing in life. That’s the philosophy my father lived by, and that’s what made him happy.”

Ariel and Luciano followed in their father’s footsteps of service. Ariel is an instructor who teaches at seven different schools, ranging from kindergarten to college, as well as a writer and musician. Luciano, who has worked as a radiologist, plans to follow his father’s path of opening his own practice.

North Surry hosted six other schools in a two-day girls basketball team camp June 30-July 1.

The Lady Greyhounds welcomed Galax (Va.), East Wilkes and Ashe County on June 30. The following day, Mount Airy, North Wilkes, East Wilkes and Galax joined North Surry inside Ron King Gymnasium.

Teams competed round robin against other members of the camp, though not all teams competed in the same amount of games.

Each game featured two 20-minutes halves with running clocks. Clocks only stopped during timeouts and in the last minute of each game. Shooting fouls were worth one point plus possession unless the shot is made. Foul shots were only taken during the final minute of each half. Every team foul over seven was worth one point plus possession.

The two local teams that competed in the camp, North Surry and Mount Airy, are both coming off conference championship seasons.

North Surry won the Foothills 2A Conference Championship with a 10-2 record. The Lady Greyhounds finished 19-6 overall, and reached the Elite Eight of the 2A State Playoffs before losing to the eventual state champions. Callie Allen (‘22) was named FH2A Co-Player of the Year, and Shane Slate was named FH2A Coach of the Year.

Mount Airy won the Northwest 1A Conference Championship with a 12-0 record. The Granite Bears finished 15-9 overall, and reached the second round of the 1A State Playoffs. Grey Moore (‘22) was named NW1A Player of the Year, and Angela Mayfield was named Coach of the Year

Mount Airy High School hosted the Lady Bears Basketball Camp in Howard M. Finch Gymnasium June 27-30.

Campers ranging from rising third graders to rising ninth graders took part in the four-day camp led by varsity girls coach Angela Mayfield, varsity assistants Abby Gallimore and Alicia Henson as well as various current and former basketball players.

Campers took part in station work, skills competitions, shooting competitions and team play. Daily and weekly awards were also given.

With the 2021-22 school year complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

Mount Airy competes in the Northwest 1A Conference (NW1A), Millennium Charter Academy competes in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference (NWPC), and East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central all compete in the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A).

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Nick Lowery, Cooper Motsinger, Kade Talton, Levi Watson, Lupe Chavez (HM), Noah Hopkins (HM)

Millennium Charter – Foster Baird, Zeke Harrison, Luke Simpson, Eric Sorrell

Mount Airy – Carson Hill, John Juno, Georgie Kriek (NW1A Player of the Year), Martin Cooke (HM), Kieran Slate (HM)

North Surry – Holdin Hall (HM), Jordan Inman (HM), Nathan Lattimore (HM), Ty Richardson (HM)

Surry Central – Jacob Edmonds, Tripp McMillen, Josh Pardue (FH2A Player of the Year), Michael Tucker

Tennis players that finished in the top four of their respective regional competitions, in either singles or doubles, were named All-Region. Players that finished in the top-four of the state championship tournament were named All-State.

1A West All-Region: Mount Airy’s Georgie Kriek

2A Midwest All-Region: Surry Central’s Jacob Edmonds, Tripp McMillen, Josh Pardue, Michael Tucker; East Surry’s Cooper Motsinger, Levi Watson

1A All-State: Mount Airy’s Georgie Kriek

2A All-State: East Surry’s Cooper Motsinger

East Surry finished 12-7 overall and 10-2 in conference play. The Cardinals were runner-up in the FH2A standings and reached the second round of the 2A State Playoffs.

Individually, the Cardinals’ sent four athletes to the 2A Midwest Regional Competition: Lowery and Talton, who qualified after reaching the semifinals of the FH2A Doubles Tournament, Watson as FH2A Singles Runner-up and Motsinger as FH2A Singles Champion. Both Watson and Motsinger qualified for the 2A State Championship Tournament: Watson by reaching the semifinals of the regional singles championship, and Motsinger by winning the 2A Midwest Singles Championship. Motsinger went on to reach the state semifinals before falling to the eventual state champion.

Millennium Charter finished 0-11 overall and 0-4 in conference play. The Lions were third in the NWPC Conference and didn’t qualify for the 1A State Playoffs. Millennium did not have any qualifiers for individual regionals.

Mount Airy finished 15-5 overall and 10-0 in conference play. The Granite Bears won the school’s first outright NW1A Conference Championship since 2010 and reached the third round of the 1A State Playoffs. Luke Graham was named NW1A Coach of the Year.

Individually, the Granite Bears’ sent three athletes to the 2A Midwest Regional Competition: Kriek, who finished NW1A Runner-up in the singles bracket, and the doubles team of Cooke/Pinto, who reached the semifinals of the NW1A doubles bracket. Kriek reached the 1A West Regional Championship, finishing runner-up, then reached the semifinals of the 1A State Singles Championship.

North Surry finished 4-10 overall and 4-8 in conference play. The Greyhounds were fifth in the FH2A standings and did not qualify for the 2A State Playoffs. North did not have qualifiers for individual regionals.

Surry Central finished 14-2 overall and 12-0 in conference play. The Golden Eagles won the FH2A Conference Championship to capture the program’s first conference title in at least 13 years. Mason Midkiff was named FH2A Coach of the Year.

Individually, the Golden Eagles sent four athletes to the 2A Midwest Regional Competition: the team of Pardue/Edmonds, who won the FH2A Doubles Championship, and the duo of Tucker/McMillen, who finished FH2A Runner-up in the doubles bracket. Tucker/McMillen finished fourth at regionals, and Pardue/Edmonds finished Regional Runner-up to both qualify for the state tournament.

The July 2 exhibition game between Foothills Senior Legion Post 123 and the Carolina Disco Turkeys has been postponed.

A reschedule date will be announced at a later time.

Post 123 closes out its regular season this week with back-to-back home games. Foothills (12-4) hosts North Stokes Sandy Ridge on July 5, then plays East Randolph Post 81 on July 6. Both games will be held at East Surry’s Barry Hall Field.

Foothills’ final two games of the regular season will determine the team’s playoff seeding. Playoffs begin July 8 and will be a best 2-of-3 series.

Mount Airy and East Surry were both included in NC Preps’ preseason top-15 polls for the 2022 football season.

NC Preps, part of Rivals.com, primarily covers football, basketball and baseball across the state. The site runs a variety of forums, contains recruiting information and puts out multi-platform media concerning high school sports.

The NC Preps rankings put Mount Airy No. 3 in the 1A division and East Surry No. 6 in the 2A division. Polls were voted on by the coaches in each individual class.

Both the Granite Bears and Cardinals are coming off successful seasons that help justify their teams’ top preseason rankings. Both squads finished 13-1 overall and 6-0 in their respective conferences. The 2021-22 season also marked the first time in six decades that the two teams didn’t play one another.

Mount Airy reached the Elite Eight of the 1A State Playoffs in 2021. The Bears suffered their only loss of the season to Mitchell, who went on to win the West Regional Championship and finish 1A State Runner-up.

The Bears are the highest-ranked 1A team that didn’t compete in a Regional Final in 2021.

East Surry reached the 2A West Regional Championship in 2021. The Cardinals’ only loss of the season came against the eventual 2A State Champion, Shelby.

Both the 1A and 2A NC Preps Preseason Polls are listed below. Schools are listed by ranking, and include their 2021-22 record and any postseason accomplishments.

4. Robbinsville (10-4, West Regional Runner-up)

9. Pender (10-4, East Regional Runner-up)

3. Wallace-Rose Hill (13-3, State Runner-up)

6. East Surry (13-1, West Regional Runner-up)

9. Princeton (13-1, East Regional Runner-up)

Mount Airy hosted a 7-on-7 scrimmage against Carroll County (Va.) on June 23.

The Carolina Disco Turkeys are set to return to the Granite City on July 2 for an exhibition game against the Foothills Post 123 Senior Legion Team.

The Disco Turkeys, a summer wood bat team formed in 2021 that plays out of Winston-Salem’s Truist Stadium, took its popular show to Mount Airy High School last year during its inaugural season. After a successful first meeting between the programs, the teams agreed to play once again in 2022.

“We’re happy to do the game again this year and build a connection between our two programs and with the Mount Airy baseball community,” said Greg Sullivan, team president and co-owner of the Disco Turkeys. “We think American Legion baseball is great for communities, and we have a lot of respect for their program and have been very impressed with what they’ve done so far this season.”

The Disco Turkeys will be bringing along their mascot, Boogie, for the trip, and will sell their team merchandise at the game. The team shipped out merchandise orders to all 50 states within a few weeks of their launch in spring 2021 and has been a hit with fans all over the world in their second season.

This year’s Disco Turkey’s team features players from Wake Forest, East Carolina, App State, High Point and other top schools.

The Foothills Senior Legion Team is also having a stellar year. Post 123’s impressive roster of college players, college-bound recent graduates and rising high school seniors sits at 12-2 overall on the season.

Following last year’s exhibition game, the Disco Turkey’s added Post 123 pitcher Garrett Leftwich – a 2021 graduate of Patrick County (Va.) High School – to their roster. He went on to the compete with the team at the All-American Amateur Baseball Association (AAABA) National Tournament in Johnstown, Penn. in front of a stadium crowd of a few thousand people.

“He’s a great young man and a hard-throwing pitcher who continues to get better and better,” Sullivan said of Leftwich. “He played for Southwest Virginia Community College this past year and is transferring into Patrick & Henry Community College for the upcoming season. That’s one of the best JUCO teams in the nation, and his future is very bright.

Another local connection is West Stokes graduate Dawson Neal. Neal pitched his freshman season at Pfeiffer University and is transferring to Gordon State.

Surry Community College graduate Bryson Bebber, who was recently named a recipient of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and Rawlings Gold Glove Award, is a former member of the Disco Turkeys as well.

The exhibition is scheduled to take place at Mount Airy High School on July 2 at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, and $4 of each ticket will go toward the Ty Montgomery Memorial Scholarship Fund.

CHARLOTTE — Surry Community College’s Bryson Bebber has been named a recipient of the 2022 Gold Glove Award.

The Gold Glove Award is presented by the Rawlings and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). It designates Bebber, a sophomore first baseman from South Rowan High School, as the best fielder at this position among more than 90 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III programs.

Bebber joins former Surry second baseman, Ethan Danley, as the only players in Surry history to earn the Rawlings Gold Glove Award distinction.

“This is a tremendous honor for Bryson and our program,” stated Surry head baseball coach, Tim Collins. “Bryson has really good baseball instincts and works extremely hard. His defense saved us numerous runs during his playing career at Surry.”

Bebber led the national finalists for the award with 235 total chances and 223 total putouts while ranking second nationally with 10 assists. He only committed two errors on the season, posting a .991 fielding percentage. He was also named to the Region 10 All-Defensive team in both 2021 and 2022.

Besides providing stellar defensive for the Knights, Bebber hit .244 while driving in 19 runs with 21 runs scored. Surry finished as the Region 10 runner-up, dropping the championship game to Caldwell, 9-1.

“It has been an honor to play at Surry,” said Bebber. “I would like to thank Coach Collins for giving me the opportunity to continue my baseball career, along with Coach Swisher for all his help and support. I’ve had the privilege of playing with some incredible teammates. Receiving this award is extremely special to me because I pride myself on my defense.”

The China Grove, N.C. native will continue his academic and baseball careers this fall after earning a scholarship to St. Andrews University in Laurinburg, N.C.

“Bryson has been a great example of how an individual can come to Surry after not being heavily recruited out of high school and benefit from our program,” said Surry athletic director Mark Tucker. “He graduated this spring earning a 4.0 grade point average this academic year, and now has the opportunity to play at a four-year university after earning a scholarship. We are extremely proud of Bryson as a person and for all of his accomplishments.”

The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Teams are released by the American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings Sporting Goods. The Rawlings Gold Glove winners have been selected since 2007 and feature many future Major League Baseball players.

For a complete list of award recipients, visit bit.ly/3yogSIh

North Surry High School hosted its Boys Basketball Camp in Ron King Gymnasium June 20-23.

Campers ranging from rising third graders to rising ninth graders took part in the four-day camp led by varsity boys coach Tyler Bentley, varsity assistant coaches, JV and middle school coaches as well as various current/former basketball players.

CHAPEL HILL — A total of 19 student-athletes from N.C. High School Athletic Association member schools were named winners of the “Heart of a Champion” Award for their outstanding sportsmanship, overcoming adversity and consistently going above and beyond expectations.

The recognition is part of the program offered by the NCHSAA Student Services Division. North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company sponsors these awards.

“We appreciate the continued partnership with our friends at the North Carolina Farm Bureau,” said NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker. “We are honored to join with Farm Bureau in recognizing this group of 19 student-athletes who have consistently demonstrated the values and traits that we want all student-athletes to learn through participation in our programs.

“Now, more than any other time, our society needs young people, like this group of award winners, who exhibit what it means to have the ‘heart of a champion’ and who are dedicated to excellence in all things.”

One local student-athlete, Elkin graduate Thomas McComb, was recognized as an award winner.

Each NCHSAA member school had the opportunity to nominate one male and one female student-athlete for the recognition. Applying students filled out a questionnaire, and then a school official – such as the principal or athletic director – also provided an evaluation. Students must have participated in at least one varsity sport or activity during the 2021-22 school year with no ejections, while also demonstrating outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship during their high school careers.

McComb was a multi-sport varsity student-athlete with the Buckin’ Elks where he was named to multiple All-Conference teams and even won a state championship. He also participated in five school clubs and was a member of the National Honor Society.

As a senior, McComb was a member of the Buckin’ Elks’ soccer, football, swimming and tennis teams.

McComb, who will continue his academic and soccer careers at Lees-McRae College, was named Northwest 1A Conference Defensive Player of the Year in soccer and was also named to the N.C. High School Soccer Coaches Association’s 1A All-State team.

He was also named the Conference’s Specialist of the Year in football in football.

In addition to being named All-Conference and helping Elkin win the NW1A Championship in swimming, McComb was part of the Buckin’ Elks’ 200-yard freestyle relay team that won the 1A State Championship.

In the spring, McComb was part of the Elkin tennis team that finished 1A West Regional Runner-up. He was also a regional qualifier in the individual competition.

According to the NCHSAA’s press release, McComb founded and became president of the Mountain Biking Club in his quest to help underclassmen find ways to have fun and spend time free of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Thomas said sports participation was instrumental in developing skills that would be crucial to succeeding in life: proper work ethic, adaptability, dependability, confidence and respect.

With the 2021-22 school year now complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

Mount Airy competes in the Northwest 1A Conference (NW1A), Millennium Charter Academy competes in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference (NWPC), and East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central all compete in the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A).

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Rosie Craven, Elise Marion, Bella Hutchens (HM), Riley Pennington (HM)

Millennium Charter – did not field a softball team

Mount Airy – Sydney Seagraves, Skylar Partin (HM), Sofia Stafford (HM)

North Surry – Bella Aparicio, Trista Berrier (FH2A Player of the Year), Carley Puckett, Sarah Mauldin (HM)

Surry Central – Kaylin Moody, Carlee Jones (HM), Kailea Zurita (HM)

East Surry finished 5-14 overall and 4-8 in conference play. The Cardinals were fifth in the FH2A standings.

Mount Airy finished 4-16 overall and 4-8 in conference play. The Granite Bears were fifth in the NW1A standings and reached the first round of the NCHSAA 1A State Playoffs.

North Surry finished 11-12 overall and 7-5 in conference play. The Greyhounds were fourth in the FH2A standings and reached the first round of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs. The Lady Hounds were defeated by the eventual 2A West Regional Runner-up.

North Surry senior Trista Berrier was named FH2A Conference Player of the Year.

Surry Central finished 4-14 overall and 2-10 in conference play. The Golden Eagles were sixth in the FH2A standings.

Mount Airy High School hosted its Youth Volleball Camp in Howard M. Finch Gymnasium June 20-23.

Campers ranging from rising third graders to rising ninth graders took part in the four-day camp led by varsity coach Shelby Bryant, assistant coach Sarah Knott as well as various current/former players.

East Surry High School’s Anthony Ayers officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and baseball careers at Surry Community College.

“It means the world to me to have the opportunity to play at the next level, and I couldn’t be any happier,” Ayers said. “I have dreamed of playing baseball in college for as long as I can remember.”

On his decision to continue his baseball career with Surry Community, Ayers said, “I already know the school has a great atmosphere and I wanted to stay close to home mainly.”

Ayers, also known as “Double-A,” is a four-year member of the Cardinals baseball program. He spent one season with the JV team, then three on varsity. His first season on varsity was the 2020 season in which East only played five games before the season was cancelled, then the 2021 season was also shortened to just 14 regular season games.

Despite game restrictions during two of his three varsity seasons, Ayers still helped the Cardinals to a impressive combined record of 45-6. During that time, East Surry won: two conference championships, one conference tournament championship (no tournament was held in 2021), one 1A West Regional Championship and one 1A State Runner-up trophy.

“I have made many great memories that will never be forgotten and met a lot of awesome people along the way,” Ayers said of his time at East Surry.

“The best thing about Double-A is that he’s a glue guy,” said East Surry coach Chad Freeman. “He’s always positive, always high energy and always doing stuff to get everybody on the team involved. From seniors on varsity to freshman on JV, he was always talking to everyone to make them feel important and feel like part of the program. He’s the kind of kid you want on a team because, not only was he a really good player, he makes everything and everybody better.”

Ayers was an immediate contributor as a sophomore on varsity. On a team with just three underclassmen, Ayers quickly worked his way into the Cards’ starting lineup at third base.

“He did a great job at third for us during his sophomore season, but of course we only got to play a handful of games because COVID hit,” Freeman said. “He wasn’t going to pitch a lot for us as a sophomore, and was mainly there for his defense while getting some swings in as well. That opened the door for him to have an awesome junior year and an even better senior year.”

Coming back for his junior season after the long layoff, Ayers found himself on a roster in need of another pitcher after losing multiple players to graduation. He was able to work his way into the rotation as a relief pitcher. This is where he carved out his niche with the team.

“As a relief guy, you want them to have the mindset of ‘give me the ball and I’m going to go all out for inning for two; I’ll do whatever you need me to do,’” Freeman said. “Double-A was always a team-first guy. If we needed him at third, he’d play third. He’d pitch when we asked him to pitch, and would go for one inning or seven depending on what the team needed. He’d hit seventh or fourth or wherever. He just wanted to play and wanted to help the team win.”

Ayers worked his way into being East Surry’s top relief pitcher his senior year. As much as he contributed to the Cards’ run to the 1A State Championship Series as a junior, Freeman called what Ayers did for the team as a senior “10-times better” than his junior campaign.

Double-A finished the year 5-0 on the mound, throwing primarily in relief. His ERA went from 4.0 down to 2.77, and Freeman said he had three or four saves as well.

Ayers also became much more productive as a hitter in 2022. He batted .338 as a senior, which improved his batting average by nearly 80 points, and saw a big jump in his on-base percentage as well while continuing to drive in runs.

No postseason honors were given in 2020, but Ayers was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2021 and was named to the Foothills 2A All-Conference squad in 2022.

In addition to his contributions on the field, Freeman said Ayers’ compassion for his teammates and selfless nature made him, “One of the best overall teammates I’ve had during my tenure as an East Surry coach.”

“If somebody else had a big play, he was cheering and was just as loud as if he made the play himself,” Freeman added. “Double-A has been one of the most fun kids I’ve ever been around, and it was a joy to be able to coach him over the last four years.”

Following his signing, Ayers expressed gratitude to the coaches and teammates who helped him get to this point.

“I want to give a huge thank you to several people that have played a part in not only helping me get better at the game of baseball, but making me who I am today,” Ayers said. “I also want to give a special thanks to my dad, Frankie, who has been there since day one. He’s not only done his part for making me better at baseball, he has taught me all about life and has shaped me into the best man that I could possibly be.”

The Foothills Junior Legion Team won the rubber match against Surry Pride in dominant fashion on June 20.

Both schools are part of the Foothills Post 123 American Legion organization. Instead of having one junior team like previous years, enough players came out from Surry County and surrounding areas that Post 123 formed two younger squads. The Foothills Juniors are made up of all rising high school sophomores and juniors as well as a few rising seniors. Surry Pride primarily consists of rising high school freshman, with a few sophomores and juniors also on the team.

Monday’s game at Surry Central High School was the third meeting between the two teams. Foothills Juniors won the first meeting 11-10 on May 18, and Surry Pride retaliated with an 8-7 win on June 3.

The Juniors left no doubt in round No. 3 by defeating the Pride 14-2.

Foothills racked up its 14 runs on 15 hits. Brison George, Kamden Hawks, Landon Gallimore, Macean Alvear and Ashton Gwyn each had multiple hits for the Juniors, while James Steele, Trampus Atkins, Ian Gallimore, Smith Ray and Cash Hemric each added one hit.

The following Foothills players had multiple RBIs: Alvear, George, Gwyn, Hemric, Hawks and Steele.

George, the leadoff batter for the Juniors, scored the game’s opening run in the top of the first inning. After being walked, George stole second and scored on a double hit by Hawks to the left field fence. The Pride picked up the second out of the inning before Ian Gallimore was walked, then Caleb Morgan – running for Hawks – went home on a wild pitch and made it 2-0.

Juniors pitcher Ray and the Foothills defense sent each of the first three Pride batters back to the dugout to end the inning.

Surry pitcher Luke Bruner picked up a strikeout to begin the second inning. Foothills’ Bradley Goins reached first on an error, then the Juniors’ next four batters each hit singles: Gwyn, Alvear, George and Steele.

The score was up to 6-0 after the barrage of singles, and Hawks brought in run No. 7 with a ground out.

Landon Johnson, Vincent Pannutti and Phillip Byrd all put the ball into play for the Pride in the bottom of the second, but couldn’t get on base. Johnson and Pannutti grounded out, and Byrd’s line drive was caught by Ray on the mound. Bruner did become Surry’s first baserunner of the game, but never advanced past first.

Cayden McRoberts took the mound in the top of the third. Landon Gallimore doubled to start the inning, then Goins was walked. Surry’s luck seemed to be turning around after catcher Pannutti caught Gallimore stealing third and Gwyn lined out to Johnson. However, a fielding error put Alvear on base and scored Goins, then another error opened the door for Alvear to steal second and third before scoring run No. 9.

David Schuyler recorded the Pride’s first hit of the game in the bottom of the third. McRoberts followed with a single to left field, then Carter Motsinger was walked to load the bases. Cade Atkins singled to score Schuyler, then a sacrifice fly from Johnson allowed McRoberts to score and make it 9-2.

The Pride carried momentum into the top of the fourth by forcing two quick outs. Pannutti threw Morgan out stealing second with Myles Draughn on the mound, then Draughn flied out.

Ian Gallimore was walked with two outs, then Ray and Landon Gallimore each singled to load the bases. Hemric scored Ian and Ray with a single, then Landon and Hemric scored on a hit from Gwyn that was followed by a fielding error. Another Pride error on an Alvear hit scored run No. 14.

The Pride had three ground outs in the bottom of the fourth inning with Draughn on the mound. Sid Sutphin pitched in the top of the fifth inning and Juniors hit one single and flied out three times.

Surry’s final chance to keep the game going came in the bottom of the fifth. Motsinger was walked by Landon Gallimore and moved his way over to third on a groundout. Johnson was also walked to put runners on the corners, but then a Landon strikeout and another groundout ended the game.

PILOT MOUNTAIN — An 8-3 home victory over High Point-Thomasville Post 87 gave Foothills Post 123 its ninth victory of the 2022 season.

Post 123 (9-1) never trailed in Friday’s game. The Senior Legion Team scored in each of the first three innings to build a 5-0 lead, “winning every inning,” as coach Brian Hawks said.

The visiting HiToms tacked on a pair of runs in the fourth inning while holding Foothills scoreless in the fifth and sixth. Post 123’s offense could only be contained so long, as the team padded its lead with three runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Foothills scored eight runs on 11 hits and was walked seven times – at least once per inning. Post 123 even had chances to open the lead up more, but left nine runners on base in the June 17 game. Three Foothills players recorded multiple hits: Anthony Ayers (East Surry HS Class of 2022), Nash Thompson (Patrick County HS, VA ‘22) and Landon Jackson (Elkin HS ‘21).

Five Post 123 players added one hit each: Trey Armstrong (East Surry HS ‘22), Ethan Ball (West Stokes HS ‘22), Logan Dowell (Mount Airy HS ‘22), Daniel Shearin (Grayson Co. HS, VA ‘22) and Carson Willoughby (East Surry HS ‘21),

Post 87 (8-4) scored its three runs on seven hits and four walks. The HiToms only had multiple hits in an inning once.

Three pitchers spent time on the mound for Post 123. Styles Geramita (Carlisle School, Va. ‘23) threw the first 4.1 innings, striking out four batters and walking none. Geramita allowed two runs on four hits, and both runs were scored as part of a three-hit fourth inning.

Justin Reeves (Surry Central HS ‘23) pitched the next 1.2 innings. Reeves struck out three batters, walked two and didn’t allow any hits or runs. Ayers threw the final inning of the game, striking out two batters, walking another two and allowing one run on one hit.

Post 123 got on the board with one run in the bottom of the first. Already with two outs, Dowell was walked and Ball hit an RBI double to left-center field.

Foothills added two runs in both the second and third innings while Post 87 remained scoreless.

Post 123 loaded the bases in the second inning with one out: Shearin was walked, Thompson beat the throw to first on an infield grounder and Jackson singled with a hit to the outfield. Willoughby hit a double to left-center to score Shearin and Thompson and increase the lead to 3-0.

Ball was walked to begin the bottom of the third, then moved to third on a double hit by Ayers down the right-field line. Clay Whitaker (Surry Central HS ‘23) picked up the RBI with a ground out at first. Thompson then brought in run No. 5 with an RBI single.

Foothills only combined for one hit in the fourth and fifth innings, while the HiToms got back into the game with two runs in the top of the fourth.

High Point had a chance to take the lead by loading the bases in the top of the fifth. Reeves took over on the mound with one out on the board and a runner on first. He walked his first batter, then the next flied out but hit deep enough into the outfield that runners advanced to second and third base.

Foothills elected to intentionally walk a Post 87 player that previously doubled. This gamble paid off, though, as Reeves struck out the next batter to leave three runners stranded.

Post 123 finally extended its lead in the bottom of the sixth. Willoughby reached first thanks to a fielding error, then dashed over to second and beat the throw from the outfield. Armstrong safely bunted his way to first while also moving Willoughby to third, then Armstrong stole second with Dowell at the plate.

Dowell hit a 2RBI single to score the two East Surry graduates and make it 7-2. Dowell moved to second on a wild pitch, then crossed the plate himself when Ayers rocked his second double of the evening.

Post 87 put a pair of runners on in the top of the seventh thanks to two walks thrown by Ayers. Foothills picked up the first out of the inning on a fielder’s choice, then Ayers tossed a strikeout for out No. 2. High Point managed to score its third run off an RBI single, but Ayers threw Foothills’ ninth strikeout to end the game.

The June 17 win over High Point-Thomasville moved Foothills to 9-0 on the season. Post 123 then dropped its first game of 2022 two days later against East Randolph, 11-6.

Post 123 looks to get back on track on June 22 by playing a double-header at North Stokes.

With the 2021-22 school year now complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

Mount Airy competes in the Northwest 1A Conference (NW1A), Millennium Charter Academy competes in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference (NWPC), and East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central all compete in the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A).

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Anderson Badgett, Bradley Davis (FH2A Golfer of the Year), Jace Goldbach, Chase Harris, Connor Key (FH2A Championship Medalist)

Millennium Charter – did not field a golf team

Mount Airy – Eli Morrison, Avery Poindexter, Brooks Sizemore, Chapman Utt (HM), Mason Varney (HM)

Surry Central – Reece Hanson, Adam Hege, Nathan Narewood (HM), Wesley Whitaker (HM)

East Surry won both the regular season and conference tournament championships in the Foothills 2A Conference. The Cardinals’ Bradley Davis was named FH2A Player of the Year, Connor Key was the medalist of the conference tournament and Darrin Haywood was named FH2A Coach of the Year.

East Surry went on to win the 2A Midwest Regional Championship as a team. Anderson Badgett was the medalist at the regional championship.

East concluded its season by winning the 2A State Championship. Individually, Davis finished State Runner-up.

Mount Airy finished second in the NW1A regular season standings and second at the conference tournament. Brooks Sizemore was the Bears’ low scorer for the regular season, and Sizemore and Avery Poindexter tied for the team’s top score at the NW1A Championship.

The Granite Bears finished fifth as a team at the 1A West Regional Championship. Sizemore tied for 17th overall at regionals.

North Surry finished fourth in the FH2A regular season standings and third at the conference tournament. Brody York had the Greyhounds’ best score through seven regular season matches and finished sixth overall at the FH2A Championship.

York competed in the 2A Midwest Regional Championship for the Greyhounds and tied for 22nd.

Surry Central finished third in the FH2A regular season standings and fourth at the conference championship. Reece Hanson had the Golden Eagles’ best score through seven regular season matches, and Adam Hege was the team’s top scorer at the FH2A Championship.

Central qualified for the 2A Midwest Regional Championship as a team and finished seventh, with Hege leading the way by tying for 11th. Hege represented the Eagles at the 2A State Championship where he finished tied for No. 72.

Mount Airy High School hosted the Northwest Basketball Academy June 13-16.

Campers ranging from rising third graders to rising ninth graders filled both of Mount Airy’s gyms for four days of basketball. The camp was led by varsity boys coach Bryan Hayes, varsity assistant coaches, JV and middle school coaches as well as various current/former basketball players.

Campers engaged in daily competitions and competed for camp records. Campers were divided into three divisions by age: ACC, NBA and JV.

Individual competition winners are listed below by division:

Consecutive free throws: Jaylan Brim (6)

3-Pointers in a Minute: Griffin Key (9)

Chippy Drill: Griffin Key/Kannon Gardner (25)

Four Cone Combine: Trey Fussell (14.47 seconds)

17-Second Drill: Gavin Norman (18.33 seconds)

3-Ball Dribble: Kannon Gardner (19.51 seconds)

Mikan Makes in a Minute: Cole Wright (22)

Most Outstanding Camper: Jaylan Brim

Consecutive free throws: Gavin Frazier (7)

3-Pointers in a Minute: Rowen Fitzgibbons (13)

Chippy Drill: Rowen Fitzgibbons/Cohen Brinkley (29)

Four Cone Combine: Ty Hemic (13.47 seconds)

17-Second Drill: McKennon Hiatt (15.15 seconds)

3-Ball Dribble: Anderson Moore (19.66 seconds)

Mikan Makes in a Minute: Rowen Fitzgibbons (34)

Most Outstanding Camper: Corbin Kerley

Consecutive free throws: Ian Cox (9)

3-Pointers in a Minute: Ian Cox (16)

Chippy Drill: Taeshon Martin/Zach Goins (28)

Four Cone Combine: Scott Moore (15.81 seconds)

17-Second Drill: Taeshon Martin (15.02 seconds)

3-Ball Dribble: Zach Goins (10.56 seconds)

Mikan Makes in a Minute: John David Bunke (35)

Hotshot Champion: John David Bunke

Two-in-a-Row Champion: John David Bunke

Most Outstanding Camper: Ian Cox

East Surry High School hosted the school’s 2022 Boys Basketball Camp on June 14-16.

Dozens of young men came out to the camp during its three-day run. The camp was led by varsity boys coach Chad Motsinger, varsity assistant Bradley Davis and an array of current/former players as well as guest counselors.

Campers took part in various individual and team competitions, drills and received instruction from guest speakers.

In addition to daily awards, the following awards were given out at the conclusion of the camp:

Camper of the Week: Jay Wright

Outstanding Cardinal Camper, Middle School: Talon Mason

Outstanding Cardinal Camper, Elementary School: Declan Tilley

Hot Shot Champion: Davis Seivers

Free Throw Champion: Easton Sallee

Mikan Drill Champion: Weston Dean

Along with recruitment and retention of officials and related behavior issues in high school sports, which were previously addressed in this column, another concern across the high school landscape this year has been the impact of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) on high school athletics.

It has been less than one year since the NCAA suspended its longstanding amateur rules to allow college athletes to monetize their success and profit from their NIL, and many changes have occurred at that level. And, throughout the year, several state high school associations have established policies to help high school students navigate through murky NIL waters.

The state of officiating, NIL and information about the 50th anniversary of Title IX, were among the subjects discussed during the NFHS’ Media Availability Session yesterday. A recording of the webinar is available here.

With regard to NIL, we realize that high school students can be tremendous entrepreneurs – they already are in a number of capacities. Students have the ability to be recognized for their athletic prowess and that can be a nice opportunity for a young person.

However, the NFHS and its member associations believe high school student-athletes should not be able to benefit as professionals from something they do not own – that is their high school uniform. The NFHS and its member state associations would not support a situation that would involve a member school and a student-athlete entering into a professional contract while representing that member school.

Right now within the 51 member state associations, while some state statutes are bringing high school student-athletes into their language, no student-athlete in a member school can be a professionally paid student by virtue of their identity as a student-athlete in that member school.

We believe the purpose of high school athletics and performing arts is not to develop professional athletes but to develop kids, to help kids develop life skills and help them develop relationships. The high school locker room is arguably the last bastion of amateurism within an education-based setting, and we want to protect that.

The purpose of high school athletics is very different from the professional level – and even the college level. High school students can enjoy some success with NIL, but it cannot be done while wearing the school uniform.

And with what has happened at the college level this past year, there are some major concerns about the breakdown of amateur sports – and what the future holds in high schools nationwide.

At the high school level, there is a concern about the absolute breakdown of culture and climate of the high school locker room and the purpose for kids to play high school sports. If high school student-athletes are allowed to wear their Friday Night Lights jerseys to engage in professional contracts, not only are the dynamics of amateurism disrupted, but also the dynamics of a team, the school and the community. You have students earning money because they are a high school student and a pretty good athlete with the jersey on. This is extremely disruptive to the purpose of high school sports.

There is a concern about the breakdown of not just the pathway to education after high school and perhaps participation, but also the breakdown of the very sensitive culture and climate that is amateur high school sports.

We know that adjustments, tweaks and re-thinking of issues are important in our ever-changing world. The NFHS and its member state associations continue to be open to change, but resolute in the belief that high school sports is not about preparing students for the next level of play but preparing students for life.

Three local baseball players recently received All-State Honors for the 2021-22 season.

The N.C. Baseball Coaches Association (NCBCA) takes nominations at the conclusion of each baseball season to create an All-State team for each public school classification. No teams were named in 2020 with the season cancelled due to COVID-19.

All three of Surry County’s All-State players compete in the 2A division. Two of the players, East Surry’s Folger Boaz and Luke Brown, are repeat selections, while Surry Central’s Dakota Mills was selected for his first All-State team.

Mills is a member of the class of 2022, while Brown and Boaz are members of the class of 2023.

Hitting: .568 batting average (42/74)*, .667 on-base percentage, 42 hits, 19 RBIs, 42 runs, 5 home runs, 3 triples, 7 doubles, 22 base on balls, 30 stolen bases**

Fielding: .985 fielding percentage, 182 put-outs on 196 total chances, 11 assists, 2 double plays, 3 errors

*school record, tied for No. 19 in N.C. history

**school record, tied for No. 27 in N.C. history

Surry Central finished fifth in the FH2A Conference. The Golden Eagles were 12-13 overall and 6-6 in conference play.

Mills is Surry Central’s first All-State selection since Tyler Myers in 2017.

Hitting: .390 batting average (30/77), .521 OBP, 49 RBIs***, 22 runs, 7 home runs, 7 doubles, 13 BB

Pitching: 11-0 record, 63 innings pitched, 3 complete games, 0.89 ERA, 126 strikeouts, 41 base on balls, only 18 hits allowed

Hitting: .306 batting average, 17 RBI, 13 runs, 1 home run, 6 doubles, 9 BB

Pitching: 7-1 record, 58.1 innings pitched, 2 complete games, 1.68 era, 79 strikeouts, 34 BB, 1 save

East Surry finished the 2022 season as the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A) Regular Season and Tournament Champions. The Cardinals were 24-2 overall and 12-0 in conference play.

At least one East Surry player has been named to the NCBCA All-State team each year since 2016.

Listed below are Surry County’s All-State baseball selections by year. In addition to East Surry and Surry Central, North Surry and Elkin have also had players named All-State in the past decade.

2022 Folger Boaz (ES), Luke Brown (ES), Dakota Mills (SC)

2021 Folger Boaz (ES), Luke Brown (ES), Luke Bowman (ES)

2019 AJ Wilson (ES), Seth Keener (ES)

2018 Kain Kiser**** (ES), AJ Wilson (ES)

2017 AJ Wilson (ES), Kendal Tucker (NS), Tyler Myers (SC)

2016 Tyler Smith (ES), Kendal Tucker (NS), Chase Chandler (NS)

2015 Daniel Brinegar (EK), Nick Wilson (NS)

2014 Tyler Marion (ES), Scott Meredith (ES)

****Kiser was also named NCBCA 1A State Player of the Year

Full 2022 NCBCA 2A All-State Team

Below is the full list of players named to the 2022 NCBCA 2A All-State Team. Selections are listed in alphabetical order by school.

Brooks Brannon – Randleman (NCBCA 2A State Player of the Year)

Ty Lawson – Whiteville (NCBCA 2A State Pitcher of the Year)

With the 2021-22 school year now complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

Mount Airy competes in the Northwest 1A Conference (NW1A), Millennium Charter Academy competes in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference (NWPC), and East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central all compete in the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A).

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Trey Armstrong, Anthony Ayers, Folger Boaz (FH2A Player of the Year), Luke Bowman, Luke Brown (FH2A Pitcher of the Year), Caden Lasley (HM), Tristen Mason (HM)

Millennium Charter – Phillip Byrd, Ethan Holladay (HM)

Mount Airy – Logan Dowell, Ian Gallimore, Kamden Hawks, Rylan Venable (NW1A Pitcher of the Year), Reece Deaton (HM), Cameryn Wilson (HM)

North Surry – Ethan Edwards, James McCreary, Brodie Robertson, Kolby Watson, Keaton Hudson (HM), Cam Taylor (HM)

Surry Central – Brady Edmonds, Dakota Mills, Kade Norman, Clay Whitaker, Justin Reeves (HM), Mason Jewell (HM)

East Surry won both the regular season and conference tournament championships in the FH2A Conference. The Cardinals’ went 12-0 in conference competition during the regular season, then won back-to-back games to win the FH2A Tournament Title. Folger Boaz, Luke Bowman, Brett Clayton, and Matthew Keener were named to the FH2A All-Tournament team, Trey Armstrong was named Tournament MVP and Chad Freeman was voted conference Coach of the Year.

The Cardinals were seeded No. 4 in the 2A West and reached the fourth round of the state playoffs for the fourth-consecutive postseason. East Surry finished the year 24-2, and its only loss in the 2A division came against the eventual state champions.

Millennium Charter tied for fourth in the NWPC Conference with a 3-7 record. After starting the season 1-11 overall, the Lions won five-consecutive games in which they outscored opponents 71-14. Millennium came up short in its first-round game of the conference tournament and did not qualify for the state playoffs.

Mount Airy finished tied for second in the NW1A Conference with a 10-2 regular season record. The Bears closed the regular season and opened the conference tournament riding a seven-game winning streak, the program’s longest in more than 60 years. Mount Airy reached the NW1A semifinals, and Reece Deaton was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Granite Bears earned the No. 8 seed in the 1A West and reached the third round of the playoffs for the second time in four seasons. The team finished the year 19-9 overall.

North Surry tied for third in the FH2A regular season standings with a 7-5 record. After starting the season 6-7 overall, the Greyhounds won 10-of-11 games and reached the FH2A Tournament Championship. Myles Draughn, Ethan Edwards and Kolby Watson were named to the FH2A All-Tournament team.

North Surry was given the No. 21 seed in the 2A West and dropped its first-round playoff game 2-1 in extra innings. The Hounds finished the season with a 16-10 record.

Surry Central finished fifth in the FH2A regular season standings with a 6-6 conference record. The Golden Eagles dropped their first-round matchup in the FH2A Tournament.

Central was given the No. 23 seed in the 2A West and nearly upset the No. 7 seed, eventually falling 7-5. Surry Central finished the season 12-13 overall.

DOBSON — The Surry Community College volleyball team is set to hold its annual youth camp in July.

The volleyball camp will begin Monday, July 11 and run through Wednesday, July 13 at the SCC gym on the Dobson campus. The camp is open to rising fourth to rising eighth graders, and will take place from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. each day.

Participants will receive individual instruction and drills for all areas of volleyball including serving, hitting, passing, setting and blocking. Campers will also receive teamwork skills and drills.

The camp is under the direction of Surry Head Coach Caleb Gilley, along with other areas coaches.

Coach Gilley will be entering his third season with the Knights in 2022. Surry finished the 2021 season 25-4 overall and nationally ranked.

Gilley previously coached at East Surry High School from 2011-2019 and led the Cardinals to seven Northwest 1A Conference Championships as well as two West Regional Championships. He was named Northwest Coach of the Year six times, and was honored as the AVCA Coach of the Year for North Carolina in 2019.

Gilley will be assisted by current volleyball players from the Lady Knights volleyball team. This includes the Knights’ All-Region setter, Anna Stevens, and Region 10 Player of the Year Michelle Thao.

The cost of the camp is $45 if registered before July 1 ($40 for multiple family members before July1) and $60 if registered after July 1 ($50 for multiple family member after July 1).

Each camper will receive a Surry Volleyball t-shirt for attending, and will also be eligible for camp awards and door prizes given at the conclusion of the camp.

For more camp information or to request a camp brochure, please contact Surry coach Caleb Gilley at 336-386-3593 or gilleycr@surry.edu

Additional information is available at knights.surry.edu

East Surry High School’s Luke Bowman officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and baseball careers at Surry Community College.

“It means a lot to me to be able to play college baseball,” Bowman said. “This has been a dream ever since I’ve started playing. From playing little league to travel and throughout school ball, it has always been something I’ve wanted to do.”

Bowman helped East Surry continue its tradition of success during his two seasons with the varsity squad. The 2021 and 2022 Cardinals combined to win: two conference championships, one conference tournament championship (no tournament was held in 2021), one 1A West Regional Championship and one 1A State Runner-up trophy.

“He’s a phenomenal kid,” said East Surry coach Chad Freeman. “We all know he’s a great athlete and a great ballplayer, but he’s an even better person. He was a leader on the team that set the example by how hard he played, but could be vocal if he needed to. He’s also a really smart ballplayer.

“He will bring a lot to the Surry Community program and then to wherever he goes after.”

Part of the reason Bowman said he chose Surry Community College was because of the program’s success, making it an easy transition since he was coming from a successful high school program.

“I wanted to play at Surry because of the location and the reputation they have of always being good at baseball,” he said.

Bowman was planned to split time between varsity and JV his sophomore season at East before the season was cancelled. The following year, Luke came back and had an incredible season that helped earn him All-State honors.

Freeman said that Bowman is just as worthy of being named All-State as a senior if not more. The awards for the 2022 season have not been issued at the time of publication.

Offensively, Bowman finished his senior season by setting the East Surry school record with 46 runs scored. He had a .463 batting average, a .626 on-base percentage, 10 extra-base hits (seven doubles, two triples and one home run) and 20 RBIs.

Bowman also set the Cardinals’ record for career batting average at .448.

“Being able to play at East Surry with the people I grew up with was the best years of my life,” Bowman said. “There was never a dull moment in practice or games. All the coaches and every kid made it a very special place to be.”

In addition to his offensive contributions, Luke was a cornerstone of East Surry’s strong defense. He came into his junior season as the team’s starting catcher.

“He was just lights out behind the plate,” Freeman said. “He gets a lot of praise for his contributions on offense, but he had the same impact defensively. He had a tough job handling our pitches and made it look easy. Then this past year he only had two errors all season. That’s impressive when you play 26 games and handle the ball as much as he handles it.”

Bowman finished the 2022 season with a .992 fielding percentage, 228 put-outs and 22 assists.

“I have a ton of trust with Luke,” Freeman said. “I probably communicated with him more than any other player on the team because he’s involved in pretty much every play. We also talked a lot between innings, and he’d tell me different things he noticed and his thoughts on what we needed to do. It was like having another coach on the field.

“Obviously he was good, but he also made everybody else around him better. He really was a big part of our success this year.”

Bowman’s athleticism and baseball IQ made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals. While he specialized as the team’s catcher, he was also used as an outfielder. Freeman said that he believes Luke can be just as successful as an outfielder at the next level if his future coaches need him there.

Bowman also spent time on the mound for East Surry. When the Cards would play three games in a week, Freeman said he had total confidence in Bowman to throw a few innings. He even earned a win on the mound for East Surry as a senior.

Freeman said he had no doubts that Bowman would’ve played any position on the field if it meant helping the team succeed.

“He’s athletic enough that if I had even asked him to play middle infield he would have,” Freeman said. “He’s a tremendous athlete, an intelligent player and I can’t brag on him enough for how he helped our team be successful.”

Humbled to be signing his way to collegiate baseball, Bowman expressed gratitude to some of the people most responsible for helping him get to this point.

“I’d like to thank my parents and my grandparents more than anything,” Bowman said. “They always made sure I was at every practice and every game. I would also like to thank all the coaches; I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

“I’m just ready to continue playing baseball at the next level. I think it will be very fun, especially with “Double A” Anthony Ayers also coming to play with me.“

With the 2021-22 school year now complete, The News is recognizing the local student-athletes that were presented with All-Conference Honors for their respective sports during the spring.

Mount Airy competes in the Northwest 1A Conference (NW1A), Millennium Charter Academy competes in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference (NWPC), and East Surry, North Surry and Surry Central all compete in the Foothills 2A Conference (FH2A).

All-Conference Honorable Mentions will include (HM) following the selection’s name.

East Surry – Samantha Blose, Liannette Chavez, Addison Goins, Morgan Bryant (HM), Sophie Hutchens (HM)

Millennium Charter – did not field a girls soccer team in 2021-22

Mount Airy – Karyme Bueno, Aliyah Flores (NW1A Defensive Player of the Year), Morgan Hiatt, Mackenzie Hudson (NW1A Co-Goalkeeper of the Year), Grey Moore, Alex Rose, Kylie James (HM), Paola Ramirez (HM),

North Surry – Kimberly Elias, Callie Allen (HM), Weatherly Reeves (HM)

Surry Central – Brittany Frausto, Dafne Perez, Wendy Cantor (HM), Lillian Orozco (HM)

The following players were also named to the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association’s 1A or 2A All-Region teams. No local players were named to the NCSCA’s All-State teams.

East Surry – Samantha Blose, Liannette Chavez

Mount Airy – Karyme Bueno, Aliyah Flores, Morgan Hiatt, Mackenzie Hudson, Grey Moore, Alex Rose

Surry Central – Brittany Frausto, Dafne Perez

East Surry finished 11-7-2 overall and 8-4 in conference play. The Cardinals were third in the FH2A standings and reached the first round of the 2A State Playoffs.

Mount Airy finished 17-3-4 overall and 10-2 in conference play. The Granite Bears won the school’s first-ever NW1A Conference Championship and reached the second round of the 1A State Playoffs. Will Hurley was named NW1A Coach of the Year.

North Surry finished 3-16 overall and 2-10 in conference play. The Greyhounds were sixth in the FH2A standings.

Surry Central finished 7-10-3 overall and 4-8 in conference play. The Golden Eagles were fifth in the FH2A standings.

KINSTON – A total of 24 Surry Community College student-athletes from spring sports were named to the Region 10 All-Academic team.

In order to be named All-Academic, student-athletes must achieve a minimum 3.0 grade point average while passing at least 12 credit hours in the semester their sport takes place.

With 24 spring recipients, Surry ranked seventh overall among N.C. Community Colleges with athletic programs. Surry had 12 student-athletes represented on the Region 10 All-Academic fall team, featuring 10 members of the volleyball team along with two members from the women’s golf team.

Golf competes in both the fall and spring, which meant a few student-athletes could be honored for both semesters.

“Our student-athletes had a great spring semester in the classroom,” said Surry Athletic Director Mark Tucker. “In addition to having 24 spring athletes honored, we had a total of 32 student-athletes including those from the fall that finished with at least a 3.0 grade point average with 10 student-athletes earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

“To be ranked seventh in the state is tremendous considering that most other North Carolina community colleges have more athletic teams, and in turn more student-athletes.”

The Surry Knights named to the Region 10 Spring All-Academic team are listed below by sport.

Baseball: Brayden Adams (Metrolina High School), Bryson Bebber (South Rowan HS), Kyle Brittain (North Lincoln HS), Noah Caldwell (Bandys HS), Nathan Childers (North Wilkes HS), Cole Chipman (East Wilkes HS), Zach Devries (Dacula HS), Will Gray (Mount Pleasant HS), Landon Jackson (Elkin HS), Drew Kinser (Metrolina HS), Tate Samples (East Wilkes HS), Peyton Wall (Forbush HS), Ethan Watson (Hibriten HS) and Jack Weaver (South Rowan HS).

Softball: Taylor Allen (Alleghany HS), Chelsey Atkins (Surry Central HS), Megan Atkins (Surry Central HS), Allie Bruner (East Surry HS), Rachel Cooke (Maiden HS), Abigail Draughn (North Surry HS), Kassie Eldreth (Alexander Central HS) and Makara Woodbury (North Surry HS).

Golf: Mattie Noonkester (Mount Airy HS) and Hadly Tucker (East Surry HS).

Thirty-four Region 10 colleges were represented on the All-Academic team, and there was representation from every spring sport. Spartanburg Methodist College had the most student-athletes honored with 67, while baseball led all sports with 444 student-athletes receiving academic honors.

A total of 823 Region 10 student-athletes were recognized for their academic success.

Surry Central High School held its annual Eagles Nest Basketball Camp June 6-9. More than 100 young people took part in the camp and received instruction from varsity boys coach Marty Behrens, varsity girls coach Mandy Holt as well as JV coaches, assistant high school coaches, middle school coaches and current/former Golden Eagle basketball players.

East Surry High School hosted the 2022 Lady Cardinals Basketball Camp June 6-8. More than 50 young women came out to the camp during its three-day run. The camp was led by varsity girls coach Jay Boaz, varsity assistant coaches, an array of current/former players and guest counselors.

As the 2021-22 school year draws to a close, there is some good news to report on the officiating front, and next steps to take before action begins again this fall.

In a survey by NFHS Director of Officiating Services Dana Pappas, 28 of 36 participating state associations reported an increase in the number of registered officials from 2020-21 to 2021-22. Overall, in these states, there was a six percent increase in the number of registered officials this past year, as compared to a nine percent decrease between 2018-19 and 2020-21.

While some of the participating states reported decreases in officials this past year, four states – Delaware, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota – currently have more registered officials than before the pandemic.

We salute the great work done in all these states to address the nationwide shortage of officials; however, as was discussed at the recently completed NFHS Officials Consortium, steps must be taken to improve respect for officials and behavior at high school events if new officials are going to be retained beyond three years.

Since the Officials Consortium ended about two months ago, the NFHS has started to implement next steps identified by the 60-plus leaders in attendance – with the end goal being to retain individuals currently officiating high school sports and recruit others to the profession.

Among those next steps will be a broad-scale nationwide campaign that addresses behavior and respect. While sportsmanship is always front and center in high school sports, this emphasis will go beyond the general tenets of sportsmanship.

Attendees at the Consortium identified the boorish behavior of fans – and others – as the most common and visible issue affecting the recruitment and retention of officials.

Further, the consensus was that this type of behavior has become normalized. Unfortunately, it is almost expected that fans – sometimes coaches and others – will disrespect the men and women who are serving as officials.

Along those same lines, there is a lack of respect for the role of an official – adding another deterrent to becoming an official.

Everyone must be involved in these changes – students, parents, coaches, administrators, media. Bad behavior has been handed down and become anticipated and expected, but we believe change can – and must – occur.

In addition to a toolkit being developed to send to all groups in the world of high school sports, another consortium is being planned for the fall – this time to include administrators, coaches, media and law enforcement/security.

We believe if boorish behavior at high school sporting events can be normalized, that, with work, respectful and positive behavior can be the new normal.

Foothills Senior Post 123 honored former team member Ty Montgomery prior to a 10-6 win over East Randolph Post 81.

Montgomery, a 2021 graduate of North Surry High School, passed away in January 2022. Ty was a member of the varsity football and baseball teams while at North.

The June 2 game was originally slated to take place at East Surry High School’s Barry Hall Field – which serves as the Foothills Seniors’ home field – but was moved to Mount Airy High School due to weather.

The Legion team welcomed Montgomery’s family onto the field before the game. They were joined by members of the North Surry varsity baseball team and coaching staff.

Foothills coach Brian Hawks thanked everyone for making it out to the game despite the last-minute shift in location. He informed the crowd that Legion team would help fund the Ty Montgomery Memorial Scholarship through ticket sales and donations. Ty’s older brother, Coy Montgomery, tossed the first pitch.

Post 123 defeated Post 81 earlier in the week, but took extra innings to do so. Foothills finally defeated East Randolph 6-3 after 10 innings of action.

The rematch in Surry County seemed like it was headed for another extra inning affair with the score tied 5-5 going into the bottom of the sixth inning. Instead, Post 123 doubled its score by adding five runs in what would be its final at bat.

With one out already on the board, Clay Whitaker (Surry Central High School ‘23) doubled with a hit that slammed against the center field fence. Carson Willoughby (East Surry HS ‘21) was intentionally walked after hitting three singles earlier in the game, as was Anthony Ayers (East Surry HS ‘22) after a wild pitch sent Whitaker and Willoughby to scoring position.

Logan Dowell (Mount Airy HS ‘22) returned to his former high school field and crushed a 2RBI double to score Willoughby and Whitaker. Luke Bowman (East Surry HS ‘22) followed with an RBI single that scored Ayers, put Dowell on third and increased the lead to 8-5.

East Randolph committed an error trying to get Bowman out stealing second which allowed Dowell to score run No. 9. Ethan Ball (West Stokes HS ‘22) then hit an RBI double to score Bowman for the 10th run. Post 81 had to swap pitchers just to end the inning.

Randolph was able to tack on one run in the top of the seventh after an error from Post 123, but a trio of strikeouts from pitcher Zach Bryant (North Surry HS ‘21) wrapped up Foothills’ fifth win of the season.

Bryant was one of three pitchers to spend time on the mound for Post 123. Ethan Edwards (North Surry HS ‘22) started and threw four innings, striking out five batters, walking five, and allowing one run on four hits.

Hunter Strole (Patrick County HS ‘22) took over for .2 innings and threw one strikeout and one walk. Strole allowed two hits, but those hits paired with two Foothills errors led to three Randolph runs.

Bryant closed the game by throwing the final 2.1 innings. He struck out four batters, walked three, and allowed two runs on four hits.

Willoughby and Whitaker each had three hits as Post 123 finished with 14 overall. Ball, Dowell, Bowman and Mason each collected multiple hits for Foothills.

Post 123 improves to 5-0 on the season with the win.

It’s been more than 14 years since Army Private First Class Adam Marion, a native to Surry County, was killed in Iraq while serving with the N.C. National Guard.

Adam’s parents, Pam and Donnie Marion, think daily about their son and the sacrifice he made for this country. Over the past 14 years, many people – both in and out of the Marion family – have worked to ensure Adam’s bravery and selflessness are never forgotten.

Adam’s legacy was recognized on a national scale during Memorial Day Weekend when Stewart-Haas racing and driver Aric Almirola honored him during the Coca-Cola 600.

In the week leading up to the race, it was announced that Pfc. Adam Marion’s name would be featured on the windshield of Almirola’s No. 10 car. As part of the race’s festivities, Pam, Donnie and members of the family made the trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29.

“I don’t have the words for it,” said Pam, attempting to describe how it felt seeing the No. 10 car in person for the first time. “We had thought we knew what it was going to look like, but when it was unveiled it just did my heart good to see it on there.”

Family friend Joel Edmonds, who works as Almirola’s spotter, had the idea to feature Adam on the car for the Memorial Day race. After more than a decade of propositions with various race teams, Edmonds finally got an opportunity to recognize Adam’s sacrifice with the Smithfield Ford team.

“He actually texted Donnie about it to make sure it was okay with us, and we were honored,” Pam said. “I was just surprised because Adam has been gone for 14 years, and this long after people are still doing things to honor him. It makes us so proud.”

“We were totally surprised and really pleased that Joel worked so hard for Adam,” Donnie said. “We were excited to know it was going to happen.”

Pam and Donnie arrived at the speedway around noon the day of the race. Also making the trip was their daughter and son-in-law, Adrian and Terry McCann, as well as their grandson Connor McCann.

Adrian and Terry’s daughter, Marissa, was unable to make the trip.

“They had an area set up for the gold star families with free food and entertainment; they treated us really well,” Donnie said. “WCCB Charlotte even interviewed us while we were down there.”

At 2:00 that afternoon, the family went down to the pits and met up with Edmonds to tour the race trailer.

“We met the driver, and he introduced us to his wife and kids as well as the pit crew,” Donnie said. “They were all really, really nice and great people. Everybody really bent over backwards to treat us really well.”

The family was able to see the car before the race and have pictures made with it. The race team gave everyone shirts and hats, and also signed autographs.

The Coca-Cola 600 was the first race Donnie and Pam watched in person since 2002. They attended that race two decades ago with Adam.

Prior to the race, the Marions had a chance to meet with other families that were having loved ones honored.

“That was one of the most touching things at the race,” Pam said. “We were down by the cars and there were families of fallen soldiers. They played ‘Taps’ and had a prayer. It was a really touching experience.”

The family stayed in the pits for the first two stages of the race. Donnie described their seats as being 10 feet directly above the car in the pit box. For the latter two stages, the family was given box seats.

“We appreciate it so much that they did this,” Pam said. “We know it was a lot of hard work for Joel and everyone involved.”

While it was emotional seeing their sons name on the car and his picture posted by the race team, Donnie and Pam said it wasn’t a tough decision to come to the race and that they were so happy the team recognized Adam.

“We’re quite amazed that after 14 years people are still doing things to make sure he’s not forgotten,” Donnie said. “It was emotional, sure, but mainly we knew people were there to recognize our son and the price he paid. We’re proud and happy for any and all recognition.”

“It’s not like this took us by surprise; we live with this every day,” Pam said. “We wake up and think about Adam, and think about him all the time. We’re just grateful that so many people are dedicated to keeping his memory alive.”

Each of the five local public high schools honored a select few senior student-athletes as part of their year-end awards.

Some schools based the awards on athletic achievement alone, while others factored in athletic and academic success.

Information for the award requirements and winners was provided by each respective school.

The Cardinals recognized a Male and Female Athlete of the Year. Rosie Craven was named Female Athlete of the Year, and Cooper Motsinger was named Male Athlete of the Year.

Craven was a three-sport athlete that played tennis, basketball and softball. She earned All-Conference Honors in tennis and softball, and was an All-Conference Honorable Mention in basketball.

Craven helped the Lady Cards tennis team win the Foothills 2A Conference Championship. Individually, she was a regional qualifier in the 2A singles bracket.

Rosie, the salutatorian for East Surry’s Class of 2022, plans to attend N.C. State University.

Motsinger earned All-Conference Honors in four sports as a senior: cross country, indoor track, tennis and outdoor track.

He was part of one team conference championship, which he won with the Cardinals’ indoor track team, and two individual conference championships, winning titles in the FH2A outdoor track 3,200-meter run and the FH2A Singles Championship. Motsinger also won the 2A Midwest Regional Singles Championship, was a state semifinalist in the 2A Tennis State Championship and was a state qualifier in cross country.

Cooper, the valedictorian for East Surry’s Class of 2022, plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Lions selected one male and one female as recipients for the school’s Scholar Athlete Award.

Each award is given annually to a Millennium Charter senior who best exemplifies the combined ideals of MCA scholarship and athletics.

The Female Scholar Athlete of the Year was Sophia Gomez.

Sophia played soccer for three years at Millennium. She also played softball and competed in track and field during her junior year.

Gomez plans to attend N.C. State University.

The Male Scholar Athlete of the Year was Hartley Devore.

Devore was a four-sport athlete that competed in cross country, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and baseball.

Hartley was a regional qualifier in cross country in the fall.

Over the winter, Devore was a conference champion by winning the 4×800-meter relay in the Northwest Piedmont 1A Conference Championship. He also earned All-Conference Honors in the 4×400 relay.

In the spring, Devore was a regional qualifier in the 4×800 relay.

He plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Granite Bears honored one male and one female student-athlete that had the highest academic averages in the Class of 2022

Calissa Watson was named the winner of the 2021-22 Delana Chilton Award.

Watson was Mount Airy’s valedictorian for the Class of 2022. Calissa was part of the Granite Bears’ volleyball team that won its first conference tournament championship in 29 years.

She plans to attend East Carolina University.

Mount Airy High named Dylan Tilley the winner of the 2021-22 Alan McGee Award.

Tilley, who finished as the Bears’ salutatorian for the Class of 2022, was a member of the Mount Airy’s football and tennis teams.

Mount Airy won conference championships in both football and tennis, while reaching the 1A West Regional Semifinals in each sport as well.

Tilley plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Greyhounds recognized one male and one female as the top student-athletes in the Class of 2022. Each student-athlete must meet the following criteria:

Students are nominated by coaches, and all coaches vote on the names submitted.

The winner of the 2021-22 Don L. Smith Outstanding Female Athlete Award was Callie Allen.

Allen is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, ranks toward the top of her class and will graduate as an honors scholar. In addition to her academic accolades, she has participated in every possible athletic season all four years of high school.

In the fall, Callie was a three-year member of the volleyball team – with one season on varsity – before moving to cross country her senior year. Allen was FH2A Conference Female Runner of the Year, a regional qualifier and a state qualifier.

In the winter: Allen participated in basketball all four seasons with the varsity team. She earned All-Conference Honors three years, was FH2A Co-Player of the Year and an All-District selection as a senior and led the Greyhounds to the FH2A Championship in 2022.

In the spring: Allen was a four-year varsity soccer player that was named an All-Conference Honorable Mention as a senior.

Allen plans to attend either the University of Tennessee or Clemson University.

The winner of the 2021-22 Ron King Outstanding Male Athlete Award was Ethan Edwards.

Edwards is a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, ranks toward the top of his class and will graduate as an honors scholar. In addition to his academic accolades, he was a four-year member of the baseball team where he overcame adversity to be a senior leader on and off the field.

As a freshman, Edwards was part of the JV Hounds baseball team but had his season ended prematurely after needing surgery. Although unable to return to the field that season, he returned to the team for practices and games to be a supportive teammate. Then, Edwards’ sophomore season on varsity was cut short after four games due to the pandemic.

The last two years, Ethan continued to be a member of the varsity team where he led by example through hard work and being a great teammate. His sportsmanship has been evident through good and bad times. His hard work was validated with an All-Conference selection as both a junior and a senior, and was part of the 2022 FH2A All-Tournament team.

Edwards led the team with a .533 batting average in 2022 hitting mainly leadoff.

He plans to attend N.C. State University.

The Golden Eagles honored two three-sport athletes as the school’s Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

Mia McMillen was named Surry Central Female Athlete of the Year. She participated in volleyball, basketball and outdoor track and field.

McMillen earned All-Conference Honors, recorded her 1,000th dig and helped Surry Central reach the second round of the state playoffs as a senior with the volleyball team. In total, she was an All-Conference selection all four years of volleyball.

Mia was named FH2A Conference Co-Player of the Year in basketball after averaging 21.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.2 steals, 2.8 assists and 0.5 blocks playing more than 31 minutes per game. She had four games of 30 or points, 14 games of 20 or more points, 18 games of 15 or more points and at least 10 points in all 22 games.

McMillen was also selected for the East-West All-Star Game, represented the West in the Triad High School All-Star Classic and had the second-most votes in All-District voting.

McMillen capped her senior year by winning the 2A State Championship in 300-meter hurdles. She was named FH2A Female Athlete of the Year for a second-consecutive year, won four individual conference titles and two regional championships.

In addition to her gold medal in 300 hurdles, McMillen: won a bronze medal in 100 hurdles, finished fifth in the long jump state championship and was sixth in the 4×200 relay state championship.

Mia plans to continue her volleyball career at Limestone University.

Dakota Mills was named Surry Central Male Athlete of the Year. He participated in football, basketball and baseball.

Mills led the Golden Eagles’ football team in receptions, receiving yards and yards per catch in 2021-22. Of Surry Central’s seven total receiving touchdowns, he caught six of them and was named an All-Conference selection.

Dakota led the varsity Eagles basketball team in both assists and steals while averaging 9.1 points. Once again, he was selected for the FH2A All-Conference team.

Mills had a historic baseball season for Surry Central. His 30 stolen bases are the most in school history and tied for the 19th-most in state history. His .568 batting average is the second-highest in school history and tied for 27th in state history.

Mills also led the Golden Eagles with five home runs, 42 runs scored and a .985 fielding percentage.

He plans to continue his baseball career, but is currently undecided on a destination.

Mount Airy High School graduate Clay Mounce (class of 2016) helped Heroes Den Bosch capture the Dutch National Championship on May 29.

Heroes competes in the BNXT League, which combines the first tier leagues of the Netherlands and Belgium and is part of FIBA Europe. By winning the 2022 National Championship, Heroes ends a seven-year title drought and captures its 17th championship overall.

Mounce helped his team defeat Zorg & Zekerheid Leiden 3-2 in the best-of-5 championship series. Heroes won game one of the series, but fell to a 2-1 deficit with consecutive losses. The series was tied 2-2 with a 61-52 win on May 27.

After combining for just five points in games 3 and 4, including a scoreless game 4, Mounce exploded for a team-high 23 points – the most of his international career – in the decisive game 5. His 23 points came on 66.7% shooting, going 8-for-12 overall and 5-for-8 from beyond the arc.

Mounce also finished with four rebounds, one assist and one block in game 5.

The 24-year-old completes his first season of international play averaging 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks.

Mounce previously played Division-I college basketball for the Furman University Paladins, where he was a three-year starter. After a redshirt year in 2016-17, Mounce played in 30 games for the Paladins as a sophomore and averaged 5.0 points.

He started 85 of a possible 90 games over the next three years. Mounce averaged 10.7 points as a redshirt sophomore, then jumped to 13.2 points as a junior and 13.8 points as a senior. He also averaged at least 5.6 rebounds in his final three season of college.

Mounce played for coach Levi Goins at Mount Airy High School. As a senior, Mounce averaged 25.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.0 blocks and 2.7 steals and was named Player of the Year in both the Northwest 1A Conference and N.C. District 11.

Surry Central High School hosted the largest Golden Eagles Football Camp ever on May 31-June 1.

The two-day camp saw more than 100 children come out and take part in drills. Campers received instruction from Surry Central’s varsity coaching staff, as well as past and current members of the Eagles’ football team.

For the first time, the camp allowed children between kindergarten and second grade to attend. Depending on the day there were up to 35 K-2 campers in attendance.

Campers were also able to meet with coaches of the Dobson Eagles youth football organization to find out more about the league.

Mount Airy Middle School recognized two student-athletes as part of the school’s 2021-22 year-end awards.

Award winners were selected based on their success in the classroom as well as athletics.

The winner of the John Hamilton Award was Taeshon Martin. Martin, the son of Helena Shuff, was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track.

The winner of the Mary Alice Hayes Award was Audrey Brown. Brown, the daughter of Greg and Lynn Brown, was a two-sport athlete in tennis and softball.

East Surry High School senior Maegan Banks officially signed her NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue her academic and softball careers at Surry Community College.

“Playing college ball is a dream come true for me,” Banks said. “I’m excited to start on this journey.”

Banks joins a Surry Community team that is coming off one its best seasons ever. The 2022 Lady Knights won a program record 35 games, finished second in Region 10 play and ranked as high as No. 18 in the National Junior College Athletic Association DII National Poll.

In addition to their team success, Surry Community’s coaching staff of Blaine Bullington, Joel Jones and Gary Stone was named the Regional Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

“Surry is close to home and offers a great start toward my degree and career path,” Banks said. “I really like the coaches, and felt a connection with them from the start. I have already been taking classes at SCC while in high school, so it feels like home.”

Banks was a four-year varsity starter with the Lady Cards softball program. She was an All-Conference selection her junior year, and helped East Surry win the Northwest 1A Conference Championship that same season.

Maegan played pitcher and outfield during her time at East. Banks’ reliability and willingness to do whatever the needed made her a vital piece of the Cardinals’ team.

“The best way to describe Maegan is consistent and confident,” said Cardinal coach Randy Marion. “I have always known that – as a coach – I could count on Maegan to give her best, and that the moment wasn’t going to be too big for her.”

Playing college softball has always been Banks’ goal, she said. She began playing at age 8 in East Surry Little League, then went on to play recreation, travel and high school softball.

“Travel ball has been the biggest factor in preparing me for being a college athlete,” Banks said. “I’ve worked hard, putting in countless hours and days, as well as overcame a couple of injuries to get here.”

She carried this work ethic into East Surry and became a leader for the Lady Cards.

“One of the great things about Maegan is she leads by example. She doesn’t mind putting in the extra work and her teammates see that,” Marion said. “She has worked extremely hard toward getting physically stronger over the course of her high school career, and it definitely paid off the last couple of years for her out in the field and at the plate.”

Banks extended gratitude toward multiple people for helping her get to this point:

“I’d like to thank God for leading and directing me through life in every way. I’d also like to thank my parents for taking care of me, driving me to countless practices, pitching lessons and tournaments and for always supporting me. They’ve always cheered me on no matter what.

“Thank you to all of my coaches through the years, for the good and tough times, for the support, instruction and encouragement, which has helped me become the softball player I am today.”

East Surry High School is set to host youth basketball camps during the first and second full weeks of June.

The Lady Cardinals Girls Basketball Camp is set for June 6-8. The camp will be held daily from 7:45 a.m. to noon and is open to rising third through rising ninth graders.

The East Surry Boys Basketball Camp will take place the following week from June 14-16, and will also run daily from 7:45 a.m. to noon. The boys camp is open to rising third through rising eighth graders.

Each camp features individual instruction and drills from experienced coaching staffs led by varsity girls coach Jay Boaz and varsity boys coach Chad Motsinger. Daily activities include individual skills development and competitions, shooting competitions and the potential to compete against camp counselors. Campers will also take part in team games with emphasis on teamwork, communication and movement without the ball.

The coaching staffs will encourage and teach fundamental basketball with an emphasis on maintaining the campers’ enthusiasm and having lots of fun. Campers will receive instruction on ball handling, offensive movements, defense and agility. Additionally, players will develop valuable skills to further their game with a specific focus on position play.

Through guest speakers, these camps will also teach campers to learn essential leadership qualities, the importance of teamwork and the power of positivity.

Cost for each camp is $100 payable by cash or check on the first day of camp. A t-shirt is included in the price of registration. Registration forms can be found online at bit.ly/3N862Ls

With questions, contact Coach Boaz at jboaz410@gmail.com or Coach Motsinger at cwmotsinger@gmail.com

After two years of pandemic-related shutdowns and delays, all spring sports state championships are back on schedule across the country, including some storied track and field meets.

More than two million students are involved in the traditional spring sports of track and field, baseball, softball and lacrosse, along with other sports and performing arts programs – the first opportunities for full-scale participation in some states since 2019.

Outdoor track and field is the top combined participatory sport at the high school level, with 605,354 boys and 488,267 girls involved in the sport rich in state championship history. Several state associations are into their second century of state meets in track and field, and competition – and attendance – is off to a great start.

In Iowa, where its first state high school track meet was held in 1906, a record three-day attendance of 39,415 was set last weekend in Des Moines as the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union staged another successful event.

In a state that has produced many record track performances since conducting its first boys state meet in 1911, the Texas University Interscholastic League completed another outstanding event May 12-14. Flower Mound High School took home top honors as the Class 6A girls champion, led by distance runner Natalie Cook who won both the 1,600 and 3,200 meters.

Four states with even longer track and field histories are set to begin state meets in the coming days. This weekend, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) will stage its 102nd State Track Meet after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

In a meet that annually draws more than 20,000 spectators to Buchanan High School in Clovis, the CIF State Track Meet has produced a Who’s Who of competitors over the years, including Allyson Felix, Florence Griffith-Joyner, Misty May-Treanor, Bobby Bonds, Lynn Swann, Reggie Bush and many others.

In a meet that began in 1908, the Ohio High School Athletic Association will hold its 114th Boys State Track Meet, as well as its 47th Girls State Meet June 3-4 at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus.

However, the true granddaddies of high school track and field are Wisconsin and Illinois. The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, after being shutout in 2020 and delayed to nearly July last year, will hold its 126th State Track Meet June 3-4 in La Crosse.

In Illinois, where the first state track meet was contested in 1893, the Illinois High School Association will conduct its three-day event later this week at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Beyond opportunities for participation in state meets, the spring sports of baseball and softball have provided one individual and one team a chance to overcome adversity and challenges.

Easton Arendt has not let his disability of only two fingers on his left hand keep him from succeeding in high school baseball. The sophomore pitcher at De Pere High School in Wisconsin recently led De Pere to a 4-0 shutout victory with 12 strikeouts. In an article on the WFRV-TV (Green Bay) website, Arendt had the following comments:

”Early on, I would think to myself having this disability, I wouldn’t be able to do the things other people can. Then I got the mindset of working twice as hard as everybody else on the field or in any sport that I’m playing. Early on in my grade school days, there were times that I didn’t fit in with the other guys or classmates that I had, but that made me want to work even harder and prove to them that I can do the things that I can do. I used to view it as a disability, but now that I’m at this level, I use it as just a hand. I want to make kids that may have the same effect or something a little bit different to know that they can succeed.”

More than 360,000 girls are involved in fast-pitch softball across the country, but no team has won fewer games and yet learned more life lessons than Pasadena (California) Marshall High School.

In an article by Bill Plaschke in the Los Angeles Times, this incredible team, which recently completed an 0-18 season and has won only one non-forfeited game in three years, has truly demonstrated that high school sports is indeed much more than the final score. It is much more than winning games and championships. No, high school sports is about “improving each day,” about “showing up every day,” about “forming bonds, creating friendships, growing together,” about “laughing together, sweating together, playing hard together,” as some of the players shared.

We salute high school coaches and athletic directors across the country who have been instrumental in making sure student-athletes are involved in spring sports and performing arts.

Surry Central High School senior Kade Norman officially signed his NJCAA National Letter of Intent and will continue his academic and baseball careers at Rockingham Community College.

“It is a great honor to be able to play baseball at the next level while also furthering my education,” Norman said. “This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up I was always a three-sport athlete, but my love for baseball was always at the top. It feels great to know that all the cage work and extra time spent on the field paid off.

“RCC just seems like a great fit for me. I am just excited to get to play and work with my new teammates and coaching staff to continue to grow in this game.”

Even before he became the Golden Eagles’ head coach in 2020, Jeff Edmonds saw the impact that Norman had on and off the baseball field. This impact increased as Norman gained more and more experience at the varsity level.

“Kade was the steadying leader of our team each year he was here,” Edmonds said. “He came in as a freshman and became the first baseman and cleanup hitter right away. As he grew, he encouraged our younger players to be more accountable in their roles as varsity players, much as he did as a younger player here. He’s been the right voice for bringing our group together through good periods and tough patches.”

Norman’s leadership set him apart in all three of his sports. Selflessness was his trademark as he did whatever was asked of him, whether that be diving head first into a dogpile to recover a fumble, putting his body on the line to draw a charge late in a basketball game, or nearly doing a complete split to make an out at first base.

This also meant Norman was willing to step up in high pressure situations.

“He wants to be the guy at the plate with runners in scoring position, and he always gives a solid at-bat,” Edmonds said.

Kade was one of the players primed for a breakout season in 2020 before it was cancelled. He came back the following season and looked like he hadn’t missed a game.

This is when Edmonds realized college ball was more than just a dream for Norman.

“During his junior year, I saw Kade begin to drive balls with power to the middle of the field and the opposite gap while still being able to get to pitches on the inner half of the plate,” Edmonds said. “He showed an ability to handle velocity. I think he has the skill to hit well at the next level, especially when he’s focused year-round on baseball and hitting in particular.”

Just as the Golden Eagles football and basketball teams did earlier in the year, Surry Central’s baseball team had its strongest season in a handful of years. The Eagles started the season 11-3, and made the team’s first appearance in the state playoffs since 2017.

“Surry Central baseball and Surry Central sports as a whole was an amazing experience for me,” Norman said. “I loved the guys I got to play with, and they will all hold a special place in my heart.”

“I’m really happy for Kade that he’s getting an opportunity to go to school and to play baseball,” Edmonds said. “He’s a great student, and he knows what he wants to do with his life once baseball ends for him. Hopefully the baseball will continue going a good bit.”

In addition to his friends and teammates, Norman extended thanks to his parents, coaches and God for helping him get to this point.

“I would like to thank my parents for pushing me to be the best that I could be, and all of my coaches over the years; I would not have this opportunity if it wasn’t for these people,” Norman said. “A special thanks to Coach Edmonds and Coach [Hank] Whitaker for helping me get where I am, from contacting and talking to college coaches to helping me get into the cage when the weather was bad.

“And lastly, I would like to thank God for giving me the physical ability to play this game. I am truly blessed.”

© 2018 The Mount Airy News