The Cavs sports campaign in ‘06-’07 a successful one
By Cody Dalton
The 2006-07 school year will be one that many people, most notably the seniors, will never forget. This holds true, especially for the many of the athletes here at UVa.-Wise.
Although UVa.-Wise is not the traditional or prototypical school for athletics, it is good to look at the achievements of these players, coaches, and teams. This is true for every sport, regardless of how important other people may place it in their minds.
Last fall, the cross country team made some sparks. Both the men’s and women’s teams were farely young, but with the guidance of coach Jason Lewkowicz, had a great season. The team’s season was highlighted by a first-place victory for the men’s team at the Tusculum Invitational and a second-place finish at the Maryville Invitational. The women also showed success, as freshman Maureen Seibold made the All-AAC freshman team, with an outstanding season.
Another sport not talked about much, but progressing extremely fast is the men’s golf team. The team this season was very productive and capped off their final event, the AAC/NAIA Region XII Championship, with great performances. The team finished in fourth place out of twelve teams. In individual performance, Bryan Bentley and John Blake Graham finished fourth and sixth respectively. These performances earned them All-AAC honors.
As for basketball, the men’s and women’s teams had some bright spots. Both of these teams had difficult seasons, with many games coming down to the final minute, but these teams showed promise with their play for next season. These teams will improve and come back from a tough 2006-07 season.
And who can forget the football team. There is no question that the team returned to competitive form this past season, improving from 4-7 and 1-4 in the Mid-South Conference in 2005 to an excellent 8-3 record with a 3-2 conference record. We also made state news, with running back Ra’Shad Morgan being named the Dudley Award recipient for his work on the gridiron.
Rounding out the fall sports is volleyball. The Cavaliers finished in the “middle of the pack” in the AAC, with a sixth place finish in the standings. Their season would end early, however, as the Cavs lost their opening round match to Virginia Intermont. Although the team loses great players in Kate Daub and Stacey Ringhoffer, the team will be at full force next season, as three terrific players have signed on to play under coach Steve Dallman.
Looking at the spring sports now, the men’s baseball team finished their regular season at 27-12-1, with a 10-6 overall record in the conference. This tied the Cavaliers for third in the standings, which improves from this fifth place finish last season.
On the other side of the diamond, the women’s softball team ended its season with a 10-4 record in the AAC. This earns the Lady Cavs their fourth straight regular season crown and fifth in the last six seasons. They will defend their tournament championship on May 2-4.
The tennis team made great progress in the spring as well. The women’s team served their way into a second place finish in the regular season, as well as a runner-up in the AAC Tournament. For the men’s team, they struggled with a young team, but had some strong points, with junior Henning Kuich leading the way. They will return all, but one player next year, so look for them to really make some noise in the conference.
Overall, it was a great year for sports fans, athletes and coaches alike this season, for a tremendous year in sports for the college athletics. Let’s only hope that next season, the Cavs sports teams can out do themselves and be even more competitive than this past year.
(April 30, 2007)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Spring game an exciting time for players, fans
By Cody Dalton
College football season is right around the corner and on April 21st, it will return, as the UVa-Wise football team hosts its annual spring football game.
Spring football is an exciting time for players, as they get to compete with their teammates and friends. Ray Damm, a graduating senior and place kicker for the Cavalier last season, said the spring game offers a chance to prove yourself and enjoy the competition.
“You want to perform at your personal best, but at the same time it’s a lot fun,” Damm said. “There is a lot of competition and pride is at stake. You want to do better than your buddies.”
For many on the team though, this is going to be a new experience. Some of the younger players will be participating in their first ever spring game. Wide receiver Matt Barbour is looking forward to this experience.
“I’m in a college football mood right now,” Barbour said. “I’m excited about the game and I’m hoping I can keep up what I been doing thus far.”
This game will also serve as preparations for next year. The football team will undergo some changes of play next season. Coach Bruce Wasem feels that these changes will take some time to get used to.
“We will build around this, but it will be a challenge,” Wasem said. “It is not different from the guys thinking on the field, but it will give us a different look.”
In the game, Cavalier fans can look for some of these changes in the player’s positions. Many players will be changing positions from offense to defense and vice versa.
“We moved Joe Bodenheimer over from linebacker to fullback and David Shaffer over to tight end from defense,” Wasem said. “That will be a big adjustment for them. There are always guys who are changing positions, so they will have to learn some new things.”
Regardless of the position, every player on the team wants to start. The guys who are looking to find a starting position on the team will have the spring game to provide a small test to slowly move themselves towards starting.
“The spring game is really important to working towards playing time,” Damm said. “It’s the first impression at making your case for a starting position during the season.”
“You don’t win a starting position in spring ball,” Wasem said. “A guy can take a step towards getting a position, as well as take a step backward. Very little do you write someone out of a position, but you can feel a lot better about someone’s playing ability.”
Other than trying to earn playing time, the game is expected to be a fun and enjoyable time for the team, as well as extremely competitive. You can catch the game tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium. Admission to the game is free.
(April 16, 2007)
By Cody Dalton
College football season is right around the corner and on April 21st, it will return, as the UVa-Wise football team hosts its annual spring football game.
Spring football is an exciting time for players, as they get to compete with their teammates and friends. Ray Damm, a graduating senior and place kicker for the Cavalier last season, said the spring game offers a chance to prove yourself and enjoy the competition.
“You want to perform at your personal best, but at the same time it’s a lot fun,” Damm said. “There is a lot of competition and pride is at stake. You want to do better than your buddies.”
For many on the team though, this is going to be a new experience. Some of the younger players will be participating in their first ever spring game. Wide receiver Matt Barbour is looking forward to this experience.
“I’m in a college football mood right now,” Barbour said. “I’m excited about the game and I’m hoping I can keep up what I been doing thus far.”
This game will also serve as preparations for next year. The football team will undergo some changes of play next season. Coach Bruce Wasem feels that these changes will take some time to get used to.
“We will build around this, but it will be a challenge,” Wasem said. “It is not different from the guys thinking on the field, but it will give us a different look.”
In the game, Cavalier fans can look for some of these changes in the player’s positions. Many players will be changing positions from offense to defense and vice versa.
“We moved Joe Bodenheimer over from linebacker to fullback and David Shaffer over to tight end from defense,” Wasem said. “That will be a big adjustment for them. There are always guys who are changing positions, so they will have to learn some new things.”
Regardless of the position, every player on the team wants to start. The guys who are looking to find a starting position on the team will have the spring game to provide a small test to slowly move themselves towards starting.
“The spring game is really important to working towards playing time,” Damm said. “It’s the first impression at making your case for a starting position during the season.”
“You don’t win a starting position in spring ball,” Wasem said. “A guy can take a step towards getting a position, as well as take a step backward. Very little do you write someone out of a position, but you can feel a lot better about someone’s playing ability.”
Other than trying to earn playing time, the game is expected to be a fun and enjoyable time for the team, as well as extremely competitive. You can catch the game tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium. Admission to the game is free.
(April 16, 2007)
Player Profile: Henning Kuich – A Journey from Germany
By Cody Dalton
The journey for junior Henning Kuich has been extremely long, spanning from Germany all the way to the United States.
A native of Hamburg, Kuich has had an amazing passage to reach the campus of UVa-Wise. It all started when Kuich decided to come to the United States, as a transfer student.
“I just wanted to come over to the United States for a new experience,” Kuich said. “I wanted to learn to the speaking part of the English language. My sister had also gone over as an exchange student before me and I decided at that time already that one day I would do the same.”
Henning was placed with an exchange family and immediately enrolled at Gate City High School. As a member of the high school’s tennis team, Kuich won state championships in both singles and doubles competition.
“I didn’t realize how important state titles are here in the U.S.,” Kuich said. “I had won state championships before in Germany, but I certainly did not get a ring for it.”
Coincidentally, Henning would meet his future tennis coach, Danny Rowland, while hitting some balls on the tennis courts at Wise.
“When I first met him, he seemed to be very quiet,” Rowland said. “He had only been in the U.S. for about a month and they wanted me to hit with him at the college.”
Later that summer, Henning would sign on to play tennis and attend UVa-Wise, with the help of Rowland. However, he would have to make some changes to his tennis game though.
“Henning had been used to playing on clay courts,” said Rowland. “The hard courts were an adjustment for him.”
Since coming to Wise, Kuich has further developed his tennis game and has become a leader on the men’s team. He led the team in victories last year and is currently 4-0 in singles competition, with a 2-2 mark in doubles.
“I give my best on the court whenever I play,” Kuich said. “I try to use the practice time as much as I can to prepare. I think that my variety of shots and my love for mixing all these different spins and speeds together are my greatest strengths.”
“Henning is someone we have to depend on at the top of the lineup,” said Rowland. “He is a competitor and is always looking for ways for the team to excel.”
Not only is Kuich knowledgeable about tennis, but he uses that same competitive attitude in the classroom. Kuich has made the Dean’s List every semester since enrolling at the college in 2004. He was also inducted into the Darden Society, for his high academic performance in the classroom.
“He is an excellent student with a double major,” Rowland said. “He is also a great thinker and very smart.”
“I think it is great to be recognized in such a way,” Kuich said. “It is great that there are societies to give students some sort of reward for their studies.”
To give himself some time away from the tennis court and studying, Kuich decided to pledge the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity on campus. He has been a member of the fraternity for one year this semester.
“Although it takes even more time out of my busy schedule,” Kuich said. “The benefits of great friends and an opportunity for community service and helping people in a way that would not be possible as a single person are priceless to me.”
As far as after college goes, Kuich is planning to pursuer further education to help plan for a career in the medical field.
“I want to try to do cancer research,” Kuich said. “That will require a Ph. D. So for me, I will be in grad school for quite a while until I can try to find a job.”
“He has done everything I have asked of him and then some,” said Rowland. “Henning is a team leader and captain, and is someone we have come to depend on when we need it. He will do well for himself in the future.”
(March 19, 2007)
By Cody Dalton
The journey for junior Henning Kuich has been extremely long, spanning from Germany all the way to the United States.
A native of Hamburg, Kuich has had an amazing passage to reach the campus of UVa-Wise. It all started when Kuich decided to come to the United States, as a transfer student.
“I just wanted to come over to the United States for a new experience,” Kuich said. “I wanted to learn to the speaking part of the English language. My sister had also gone over as an exchange student before me and I decided at that time already that one day I would do the same.”
Henning was placed with an exchange family and immediately enrolled at Gate City High School. As a member of the high school’s tennis team, Kuich won state championships in both singles and doubles competition.
“I didn’t realize how important state titles are here in the U.S.,” Kuich said. “I had won state championships before in Germany, but I certainly did not get a ring for it.”
Coincidentally, Henning would meet his future tennis coach, Danny Rowland, while hitting some balls on the tennis courts at Wise.
“When I first met him, he seemed to be very quiet,” Rowland said. “He had only been in the U.S. for about a month and they wanted me to hit with him at the college.”
Later that summer, Henning would sign on to play tennis and attend UVa-Wise, with the help of Rowland. However, he would have to make some changes to his tennis game though.
“Henning had been used to playing on clay courts,” said Rowland. “The hard courts were an adjustment for him.”
Since coming to Wise, Kuich has further developed his tennis game and has become a leader on the men’s team. He led the team in victories last year and is currently 4-0 in singles competition, with a 2-2 mark in doubles.
“I give my best on the court whenever I play,” Kuich said. “I try to use the practice time as much as I can to prepare. I think that my variety of shots and my love for mixing all these different spins and speeds together are my greatest strengths.”
“Henning is someone we have to depend on at the top of the lineup,” said Rowland. “He is a competitor and is always looking for ways for the team to excel.”
Not only is Kuich knowledgeable about tennis, but he uses that same competitive attitude in the classroom. Kuich has made the Dean’s List every semester since enrolling at the college in 2004. He was also inducted into the Darden Society, for his high academic performance in the classroom.
“He is an excellent student with a double major,” Rowland said. “He is also a great thinker and very smart.”
“I think it is great to be recognized in such a way,” Kuich said. “It is great that there are societies to give students some sort of reward for their studies.”
To give himself some time away from the tennis court and studying, Kuich decided to pledge the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity on campus. He has been a member of the fraternity for one year this semester.
“Although it takes even more time out of my busy schedule,” Kuich said. “The benefits of great friends and an opportunity for community service and helping people in a way that would not be possible as a single person are priceless to me.”
As far as after college goes, Kuich is planning to pursuer further education to help plan for a career in the medical field.
“I want to try to do cancer research,” Kuich said. “That will require a Ph. D. So for me, I will be in grad school for quite a while until I can try to find a job.”
“He has done everything I have asked of him and then some,” said Rowland. “Henning is a team leader and captain, and is someone we have come to depend on when we need it. He will do well for himself in the future.”
(March 19, 2007)
Men’s Tennis preview
By Cody Dalton
As the weather appears to be getting warmer and classes hit the mid-point of the semester, the action prepares to heat up for the men on the tennis courts at UVA-Wise.
This year, the men’s team hopes to rebound after a disappointing season that saw the team struggle throughout and ultimately finish 3-12 overall.
“I believe we can perform much better than last year,” said junior Henning Kuich. “The development of our players is just as crucial as winning.”
The Cavalier returns all, but three starters this season, including Kuich, senior Chris Kostic, and junior Derick Wood. The team will mesh this great experience with the talent of newcomers in Robert Bareford and Wes Sturgill. This combination may prove to surprise many of the teams in the AAC.
“We have a much more solid team all the way down the line than last year,” said Derick Wood, a third-year player from J.J. Kelly. “We seem to be working harder and have better morale this year too.”
“I think we will be a much improved team over last year,” said coach Danny Rowland. “Our lack of depth, with only six players on the roster, is a concern, but I know that we can play with everyone in the AAC this year.”
The team’s main strength will come from Kuich, who was an All-AAC performer last season. Kuich had a balanced 2006 campaign, finishing with a 7-6 overall record. He and teammate Derick Wood, who was 6-7 overall last season, were also both members of the All-AAC academic team, finishing with at least a 3.5 GPA or higher.
“The strengths are our top seeds,” said Rowland. “We have experience also in Chris Kostic and good young talent all throughout our lineup.”
In doubles competition on the team, many different combinations are going to be tried. The duo that seemed to work the best last season was Kuich and teammate Daniel Robinson. They both pulled together and finished the season at 4-2 overall in doubles competition. Kostic and Wood also performed well together and finished the season at 3-2. Both doubles team were 2-1 in conference play.
As far as preparations for the upcoming campaign, the team has undergone intense and rigorous training.
“We’ve done it all,” said Wood. “Sprints, weights, long distance running, you name it. We are back into tennis shape.”
“All we have been able to do so far is condition both in the gym and in the pool,” said Rowland. “We have only had three days of formal practice.
The Cavs have already played three contests in February, falling to ETSU, 1-6, and Mars Hill, 1-8. They also defeated Pikeville, 9-0. The men’s team will see their first action of March on the second, as they travel to take on Covenant at 3 p.m.
“We will get better as the season goes on,” said Rowland. “We will also need to get some practice time outside.”
The Cavs first home contest will take place on March 20, as they take on Southern Virginia University at the Humphreys Tennis Complex. The matches are scheduled to begin at 3:30 pm.
(February 26, 2007)
By Cody Dalton
As the weather appears to be getting warmer and classes hit the mid-point of the semester, the action prepares to heat up for the men on the tennis courts at UVA-Wise.
This year, the men’s team hopes to rebound after a disappointing season that saw the team struggle throughout and ultimately finish 3-12 overall.
“I believe we can perform much better than last year,” said junior Henning Kuich. “The development of our players is just as crucial as winning.”
The Cavalier returns all, but three starters this season, including Kuich, senior Chris Kostic, and junior Derick Wood. The team will mesh this great experience with the talent of newcomers in Robert Bareford and Wes Sturgill. This combination may prove to surprise many of the teams in the AAC.
“We have a much more solid team all the way down the line than last year,” said Derick Wood, a third-year player from J.J. Kelly. “We seem to be working harder and have better morale this year too.”
“I think we will be a much improved team over last year,” said coach Danny Rowland. “Our lack of depth, with only six players on the roster, is a concern, but I know that we can play with everyone in the AAC this year.”
The team’s main strength will come from Kuich, who was an All-AAC performer last season. Kuich had a balanced 2006 campaign, finishing with a 7-6 overall record. He and teammate Derick Wood, who was 6-7 overall last season, were also both members of the All-AAC academic team, finishing with at least a 3.5 GPA or higher.
“The strengths are our top seeds,” said Rowland. “We have experience also in Chris Kostic and good young talent all throughout our lineup.”
In doubles competition on the team, many different combinations are going to be tried. The duo that seemed to work the best last season was Kuich and teammate Daniel Robinson. They both pulled together and finished the season at 4-2 overall in doubles competition. Kostic and Wood also performed well together and finished the season at 3-2. Both doubles team were 2-1 in conference play.
As far as preparations for the upcoming campaign, the team has undergone intense and rigorous training.
“We’ve done it all,” said Wood. “Sprints, weights, long distance running, you name it. We are back into tennis shape.”
“All we have been able to do so far is condition both in the gym and in the pool,” said Rowland. “We have only had three days of formal practice.
The Cavs have already played three contests in February, falling to ETSU, 1-6, and Mars Hill, 1-8. They also defeated Pikeville, 9-0. The men’s team will see their first action of March on the second, as they travel to take on Covenant at 3 p.m.
“We will get better as the season goes on,” said Rowland. “We will also need to get some practice time outside.”
The Cavs first home contest will take place on March 20, as they take on Southern Virginia University at the Humphreys Tennis Complex. The matches are scheduled to begin at 3:30 pm.
(February 26, 2007)
Men’s Baseball preview
By Cody Dalton
With football season over, basketball season cranking into the final gear and winter leaving us, baseball is getting ready to kick off another exiting season here on campus.
After a turnaround season last year that saw the Cavaliers go from 12-13 in 2005 to 28-19 in 2006, the team is ready to surprise, yet again, in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).
“This year’s team has been working hard to become a whole,” said shortstop Jorge LaBoy. “I think this upcoming season the team has been working hard to improve from last year’s performance”.
“I expect us to perform well this season,” said junior pitcher Brock Funk. “We are a little young but, we also have a lot of experience from last year.”
The Cavaliers lost six seniors on the team last season, including Nathan Kiser and Wil Childress, who both hit .325. Childress had 41 hits, 4 home runs and 24 RBI for the Cavs, while Kiser had 40 hits, 5 home runs and 32 RBI.
The team also lost Jon Ryan Reed, the Appalachian Athletic Conference batting champion.
“Anytime you lose three hitters like Jon, Nathan, and Wil, it leaves some big holes to fill,” Funk said. “As a whole this year we are better conditioned and I believe we will perform better offensively.”
While the team will be hurting from the losses of Reed, Kiser and Childress, they have many great returning starters.
Seniors Jeremy Wright, John Bigley and Andrew Anderson lead the team with experience. Wright will be a solid bat and play outfield, while Anderson contributes as a third basemen. Bigley will serve as a pitcher and a designated hitter.
“I think the losses of veteran players effects the team,” LaBoy said. “I think we have covered these areas and have a great threat in the middle of our order.”
A majority of the team’s offense will come from junior shortstop LaBoy and sophomore second basemen Edwin Narvaez. LaBoy hit .340 for the team last season and added 52 hits and a team high 5 homeruns. Narvaez also contributed 48 hits and three home runs, while hitting .304. Both men also gave the Cavaliers 31 RBI each.
“Edwin and Jorge give us a lot of hits and runs,” Funk said. “Having two guys like that definitely helps our lineup.”
As far as pitching goes, the Cavaliers will have junior Brock Funk returning. Funk pitched with a 3.58 ERA and held a 7-1 record in 11 total appearances. He also had 2 complete games and led the team in all, but a few pitching categories. Other returning pitchers will include junior David Jones and sophomore Josh Verts.
“We have good pitchers this year,” said Edwin Narvaez. “I think we have done a good job filling in our roster holes too. If all of these things work well together, I think we are going to win a lot of games.”
The team was voted to finish in 5th place in the Pre-Season poll with 42 votes. The Cavs only trailed Tennessee Wesleyan, who had 70 votes, Union with 63, Montreat with 59, and Bluefield College with 45.
The Cavaliers season is already off to a good start, with two victories at Emmanuel College, 14-4 and 14-1, and a loss, 10-8. The Cavaliers have two remaining road contests at Toccoa Falls and one individual contest at Virginia Intermont before they return home for the first time.
The Cavaliers play their first home game – against West Virginia Tech – on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 1:00 p.m. at Stallard Field.
(February 12, 2007)
By Cody Dalton
With football season over, basketball season cranking into the final gear and winter leaving us, baseball is getting ready to kick off another exiting season here on campus.
After a turnaround season last year that saw the Cavaliers go from 12-13 in 2005 to 28-19 in 2006, the team is ready to surprise, yet again, in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).
“This year’s team has been working hard to become a whole,” said shortstop Jorge LaBoy. “I think this upcoming season the team has been working hard to improve from last year’s performance”.
“I expect us to perform well this season,” said junior pitcher Brock Funk. “We are a little young but, we also have a lot of experience from last year.”
The Cavaliers lost six seniors on the team last season, including Nathan Kiser and Wil Childress, who both hit .325. Childress had 41 hits, 4 home runs and 24 RBI for the Cavs, while Kiser had 40 hits, 5 home runs and 32 RBI.
The team also lost Jon Ryan Reed, the Appalachian Athletic Conference batting champion.
“Anytime you lose three hitters like Jon, Nathan, and Wil, it leaves some big holes to fill,” Funk said. “As a whole this year we are better conditioned and I believe we will perform better offensively.”
While the team will be hurting from the losses of Reed, Kiser and Childress, they have many great returning starters.
Seniors Jeremy Wright, John Bigley and Andrew Anderson lead the team with experience. Wright will be a solid bat and play outfield, while Anderson contributes as a third basemen. Bigley will serve as a pitcher and a designated hitter.
“I think the losses of veteran players effects the team,” LaBoy said. “I think we have covered these areas and have a great threat in the middle of our order.”
A majority of the team’s offense will come from junior shortstop LaBoy and sophomore second basemen Edwin Narvaez. LaBoy hit .340 for the team last season and added 52 hits and a team high 5 homeruns. Narvaez also contributed 48 hits and three home runs, while hitting .304. Both men also gave the Cavaliers 31 RBI each.
“Edwin and Jorge give us a lot of hits and runs,” Funk said. “Having two guys like that definitely helps our lineup.”
As far as pitching goes, the Cavaliers will have junior Brock Funk returning. Funk pitched with a 3.58 ERA and held a 7-1 record in 11 total appearances. He also had 2 complete games and led the team in all, but a few pitching categories. Other returning pitchers will include junior David Jones and sophomore Josh Verts.
“We have good pitchers this year,” said Edwin Narvaez. “I think we have done a good job filling in our roster holes too. If all of these things work well together, I think we are going to win a lot of games.”
The team was voted to finish in 5th place in the Pre-Season poll with 42 votes. The Cavs only trailed Tennessee Wesleyan, who had 70 votes, Union with 63, Montreat with 59, and Bluefield College with 45.
The Cavaliers season is already off to a good start, with two victories at Emmanuel College, 14-4 and 14-1, and a loss, 10-8. The Cavaliers have two remaining road contests at Toccoa Falls and one individual contest at Virginia Intermont before they return home for the first time.
The Cavaliers play their first home game – against West Virginia Tech – on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 1:00 p.m. at Stallard Field.
(February 12, 2007)
Viers name to U.S. National Team
By Cody Dalton
NBA great Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve always believed if you put in the work, the results will come”. The truth is that most athletes do work their entire lives to showcase all of the talent they possess, but one local UVA-Wise student will be doing just that on a very big stage this May.
Junior volleyball player Natasha Viers received word that she will be a participant and be an ambassador for USA Athletes International volley team this May. Viers will also play in the annual “Barbados vs. USA Friendship Volleyball Tour” that runs from May 31 through June 7.
“The feeling of going to Barbados with team USA on the front of my jersey is one that I don’t think I can describe in words,” said Viers, who was elated when she received the news. “I’m thrilled and just really excited to the play the game I love the most, as well as travel to Barbados.”
Viers, a physical education major, was selected by the USA Athletes International (USAAI) not only for her success on the volleyball court, but in the classroom as well. Viers earned her second All-Academic team this past season from the Appalachian Athletic Conference. For her play on the court, Viers also won All-NAIA Region XII team honors for the second time in her career, as well as All-Appalachian Athletic Conference first team.
“We were all very proud of her,” said sophomore teammate Kristen Salyer. “Tasha's play on the court is very impressive. This says a lot about just how great of a player she is.”
USAAI, which is a non-profit organization, works in conjunction with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to promote athletic competition for athletes not only in volleyball, but twelve other sports as well, including basketball, baseball and golf. This organization is dedicated to giving athletes who aren’t selected to the USA National team, a chance to have a similar experience.
Because volleyball is in the off-season, Natasha will be spending the next couple of months training. Viers, an Abingdon, Virginia product, has already begun preparations for the team and the trip she will embark on in May.
“I’m lifting weights 3 times a week early in the morning, conditioning, and trying to really watch what I eat,” said Viers. “It’s hard at times, but I know I’m doing all of this for the sport I love and it will pay off when I get down there.”
Fellow co-captain and Senior Kate Daub had some kind words for Natasha as she prepares for the experience of a lifetime.
“Natasha has always been an extremely talented athlete,” said Daub. “I always knew that she had the skills to do anything she put her mind too. We were all very proud that Natasha was selected.”
Viers is has overwhelmed by the support she has received from her team mates and feels that receiving this honor is culmination of everything she has done since she started playing volleyball.
“I feel like everything I’ve put in even since high school has led me to this wonderful experience,” said Viers. “I always dreamed of playing professional volleyball but I never thought it would come true. All the 5 a.m. workouts, the running, and the stress have been well worth it.”
(January 29, 2007)
By Cody Dalton
NBA great Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve always believed if you put in the work, the results will come”. The truth is that most athletes do work their entire lives to showcase all of the talent they possess, but one local UVA-Wise student will be doing just that on a very big stage this May.
Junior volleyball player Natasha Viers received word that she will be a participant and be an ambassador for USA Athletes International volley team this May. Viers will also play in the annual “Barbados vs. USA Friendship Volleyball Tour” that runs from May 31 through June 7.
“The feeling of going to Barbados with team USA on the front of my jersey is one that I don’t think I can describe in words,” said Viers, who was elated when she received the news. “I’m thrilled and just really excited to the play the game I love the most, as well as travel to Barbados.”
Viers, a physical education major, was selected by the USA Athletes International (USAAI) not only for her success on the volleyball court, but in the classroom as well. Viers earned her second All-Academic team this past season from the Appalachian Athletic Conference. For her play on the court, Viers also won All-NAIA Region XII team honors for the second time in her career, as well as All-Appalachian Athletic Conference first team.
“We were all very proud of her,” said sophomore teammate Kristen Salyer. “Tasha's play on the court is very impressive. This says a lot about just how great of a player she is.”
USAAI, which is a non-profit organization, works in conjunction with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to promote athletic competition for athletes not only in volleyball, but twelve other sports as well, including basketball, baseball and golf. This organization is dedicated to giving athletes who aren’t selected to the USA National team, a chance to have a similar experience.
Because volleyball is in the off-season, Natasha will be spending the next couple of months training. Viers, an Abingdon, Virginia product, has already begun preparations for the team and the trip she will embark on in May.
“I’m lifting weights 3 times a week early in the morning, conditioning, and trying to really watch what I eat,” said Viers. “It’s hard at times, but I know I’m doing all of this for the sport I love and it will pay off when I get down there.”
Fellow co-captain and Senior Kate Daub had some kind words for Natasha as she prepares for the experience of a lifetime.
“Natasha has always been an extremely talented athlete,” said Daub. “I always knew that she had the skills to do anything she put her mind too. We were all very proud that Natasha was selected.”
Viers is has overwhelmed by the support she has received from her team mates and feels that receiving this honor is culmination of everything she has done since she started playing volleyball.
“I feel like everything I’ve put in even since high school has led me to this wonderful experience,” said Viers. “I always dreamed of playing professional volleyball but I never thought it would come true. All the 5 a.m. workouts, the running, and the stress have been well worth it.”
(January 29, 2007)
Cavs season in-review
By Cody Dalton
There goes an old saying that says, “All good things must come to an end”. This saying is especially true for the Cavaliers football team this season.
The team had an up-and-down season this year, with records broken and their record improved by four wins, from last season’s 4-7 record. They had a record offensive season, thanks to not only the running and passing game, but their overall team chemistry. This chemistry, combined with great performances by the Cavs wide receivers and offensive line, helped to lead them to an 8-3 overall record, 3-2 in the MSC East Division.
“It truly was an amazing year,” said Cavs coach Bruce Wasem. “Our team accomplished a lot of their goals this season.”
The chemistry that the team produced was very special, as all of the players bonded throughout the eleven-game season. The players began to share their stories with each other and began to know and understand each other a little better. They became not just team mates, but a family. With this new found chemistry, as well as the great talent that the team had produced, the two meshed together to create a masterpiece on the gridiron.
“The team had a very good and tight relationship this season,” said wide receiver Kendon Doe. “Because we played as a team and not individuals, we were able to succeed on the field this season.”
Now tightly bonded together, the Cavaliers opened up the season with four straight wins and took the Mid-South Conference by storm. These victories vaulted the Cavs to #18 in the NAIA poll. They did suffer set-backs, but there were more accomplishments that overshadowed those problems. The conference honored the team at the end of the season with honors, including Coach of the Year to Bruce Wasem and Player of the Year to Ra’Shad Morgan.
“The Coach of the Year award just shows me that I have the right people around me,” said Wasem. “Many of these individual awards are special, but I consider them team awards because we won them all together as a team.”
“Having this personal achievement is great,” said Morgan. “I am just glad that our team improved from last season. Maybe we can take it up another level next season.”
Ten players also made the conference’s first team including seniors Jon “Cub” Mullins and Ray Damm (for kicker), juniors Henry Potter, Ra’Shad Morgan, Reggie Dorsainvil, and Brandon Moore, sophomores Randy Hippeard and Kendon Doe, and freshmen Aric Evans and Matt Barbour. Senior Ray Damm (for punting) and junior Ben Robertson also made the conference’s second team respectively.
Conference honors were not the only one’s that the Cavaliers team enjoyed. Two players, Seniors Jon “Cub” Mullins and kicker/punter Ray Damm, both enjoyed CoSIDA All-Academic first team for their work in the classroom. This shows that the Cavaliers not only succeeded on the field, but in the classroom as well.
“Receiving any honors like the All-Academic first team and All-Conference first team is a blessing,” said Mullins. “I am happy that our whole offense, including myself, was honored as being at the top of the conference.”
“Being honored by the conference comes with being a part of an amazing team,” said Damm. “The CoSIDA award is another real honor because it took just as much hard work as the conference honors. It’s very hard to balance sports and school, and to be recognized for doing it well is a great feeling.”
When all was said and done this season, their record stood tall. Although the Cavaliers did not make the playoffs, they feel a sense of accomplishment. While a championship or conference title would have meant a lot, what they came up with this season was almost as good. For the seniors, their careers are complete. Hopefully they have a sense of redemption from last season and a sense of pride in how their careers have started and ended.
“This season was a blessing to be a part of,” said Mullins. “I knew we were a part of something special. I am honored to have played with these guys.”
“It feels great to be part of something so successful and to be able to set the tone for next season,” said Damm. “It feels very good to walk away from the Cavs with a great season.”
So there you have it. A record breaking season is over. It was an amazing improvement from the previous season. An amazing run this season happened because of the selflessness and unity on this team. Now the remaining players wait again to see action again on the field. They will train hard to keep in shape and hope to have an even better season next year. Hopefully for the Cavaliers next year, a championship will be waiting for them in the end.
“This team has everything it needs to make the playoffs and win the Mid-South Conference next season,” said Damm. “The stage for that to happen next season has been set through this season.”
(November 27, 2006)
By Cody Dalton
There goes an old saying that says, “All good things must come to an end”. This saying is especially true for the Cavaliers football team this season.
The team had an up-and-down season this year, with records broken and their record improved by four wins, from last season’s 4-7 record. They had a record offensive season, thanks to not only the running and passing game, but their overall team chemistry. This chemistry, combined with great performances by the Cavs wide receivers and offensive line, helped to lead them to an 8-3 overall record, 3-2 in the MSC East Division.
“It truly was an amazing year,” said Cavs coach Bruce Wasem. “Our team accomplished a lot of their goals this season.”
The chemistry that the team produced was very special, as all of the players bonded throughout the eleven-game season. The players began to share their stories with each other and began to know and understand each other a little better. They became not just team mates, but a family. With this new found chemistry, as well as the great talent that the team had produced, the two meshed together to create a masterpiece on the gridiron.
“The team had a very good and tight relationship this season,” said wide receiver Kendon Doe. “Because we played as a team and not individuals, we were able to succeed on the field this season.”
Now tightly bonded together, the Cavaliers opened up the season with four straight wins and took the Mid-South Conference by storm. These victories vaulted the Cavs to #18 in the NAIA poll. They did suffer set-backs, but there were more accomplishments that overshadowed those problems. The conference honored the team at the end of the season with honors, including Coach of the Year to Bruce Wasem and Player of the Year to Ra’Shad Morgan.
“The Coach of the Year award just shows me that I have the right people around me,” said Wasem. “Many of these individual awards are special, but I consider them team awards because we won them all together as a team.”
“Having this personal achievement is great,” said Morgan. “I am just glad that our team improved from last season. Maybe we can take it up another level next season.”
Ten players also made the conference’s first team including seniors Jon “Cub” Mullins and Ray Damm (for kicker), juniors Henry Potter, Ra’Shad Morgan, Reggie Dorsainvil, and Brandon Moore, sophomores Randy Hippeard and Kendon Doe, and freshmen Aric Evans and Matt Barbour. Senior Ray Damm (for punting) and junior Ben Robertson also made the conference’s second team respectively.
Conference honors were not the only one’s that the Cavaliers team enjoyed. Two players, Seniors Jon “Cub” Mullins and kicker/punter Ray Damm, both enjoyed CoSIDA All-Academic first team for their work in the classroom. This shows that the Cavaliers not only succeeded on the field, but in the classroom as well.
“Receiving any honors like the All-Academic first team and All-Conference first team is a blessing,” said Mullins. “I am happy that our whole offense, including myself, was honored as being at the top of the conference.”
“Being honored by the conference comes with being a part of an amazing team,” said Damm. “The CoSIDA award is another real honor because it took just as much hard work as the conference honors. It’s very hard to balance sports and school, and to be recognized for doing it well is a great feeling.”
When all was said and done this season, their record stood tall. Although the Cavaliers did not make the playoffs, they feel a sense of accomplishment. While a championship or conference title would have meant a lot, what they came up with this season was almost as good. For the seniors, their careers are complete. Hopefully they have a sense of redemption from last season and a sense of pride in how their careers have started and ended.
“This season was a blessing to be a part of,” said Mullins. “I knew we were a part of something special. I am honored to have played with these guys.”
“It feels great to be part of something so successful and to be able to set the tone for next season,” said Damm. “It feels very good to walk away from the Cavs with a great season.”
So there you have it. A record breaking season is over. It was an amazing improvement from the previous season. An amazing run this season happened because of the selflessness and unity on this team. Now the remaining players wait again to see action again on the field. They will train hard to keep in shape and hope to have an even better season next year. Hopefully for the Cavaliers next year, a championship will be waiting for them in the end.
“This team has everything it needs to make the playoffs and win the Mid-South Conference next season,” said Damm. “The stage for that to happen next season has been set through this season.”
(November 27, 2006)
Cavs look for revenge against Lambuth
By Cody Dalton
The UVA-Wise Cavs will be in action this Saturday as they host a big rival in the Mid-South Conference, the Lambuth Eagles, at Carl Smith Stadium on Saturday at 1:30 pm.
The Cavs will look to get back on track from last week’s 41-13 loss against NAIA #4 ranked Georgetown College.
“It is always tough to come off of a loss, especially when you wanted to win so badly,” said coach Bruce Wasem. “The sign of a good team is their ability to bounce back and play well.”
UVA-Wise had a big week, earning the NAIA #18 overall ranking just before that game. Junior running back Ra’Shad Morgan also earned Player of the Week honors in NAIA, with his school record 289 yards rushing, as well as four touchdowns. That was all spoiled for the Cavs against Georgetown, but things can only go up from here.
“This is a big game for us,” said Wasem. “Obviously, it is a bounce back game for us. We have got to get back on track and play our kind of football.”
“We have bigger goals and aspirations for this team this year,” said Junior running back Ra’Shad Morgan. “While it is good recognition to be ranked and we have worked hard to get here, it means nothing if we do not continue to do what got us here.”
UVA-Wise (4-1 overall, 0-1 in the MSC) will also be looking to avenge last year’s 25-21 heartbreaking loss. Last year, Lambuth scored two times in the final stanza to edge of the Cavs. This year, Lambuth has a 2-3 overall record, with both wins coming in Mid-South conference play. However, Coach Wasem thinks that it will be another tough contest.
“I think this year’s game will be every bit as competitive as last year’s,” said Wasem. “They are fine football team. Although they have a 2-3 overall record, they lost to a NCAA Division II team and two teams that are ranked inside the top 12 in NAIA. Their three losses aren’t any indication at where they are at right now. It will be extremely competitive to say the least.”
(October 2, 2006)
By Cody Dalton
The UVA-Wise Cavs will be in action this Saturday as they host a big rival in the Mid-South Conference, the Lambuth Eagles, at Carl Smith Stadium on Saturday at 1:30 pm.
The Cavs will look to get back on track from last week’s 41-13 loss against NAIA #4 ranked Georgetown College.
“It is always tough to come off of a loss, especially when you wanted to win so badly,” said coach Bruce Wasem. “The sign of a good team is their ability to bounce back and play well.”
UVA-Wise had a big week, earning the NAIA #18 overall ranking just before that game. Junior running back Ra’Shad Morgan also earned Player of the Week honors in NAIA, with his school record 289 yards rushing, as well as four touchdowns. That was all spoiled for the Cavs against Georgetown, but things can only go up from here.
“This is a big game for us,” said Wasem. “Obviously, it is a bounce back game for us. We have got to get back on track and play our kind of football.”
“We have bigger goals and aspirations for this team this year,” said Junior running back Ra’Shad Morgan. “While it is good recognition to be ranked and we have worked hard to get here, it means nothing if we do not continue to do what got us here.”
UVA-Wise (4-1 overall, 0-1 in the MSC) will also be looking to avenge last year’s 25-21 heartbreaking loss. Last year, Lambuth scored two times in the final stanza to edge of the Cavs. This year, Lambuth has a 2-3 overall record, with both wins coming in Mid-South conference play. However, Coach Wasem thinks that it will be another tough contest.
“I think this year’s game will be every bit as competitive as last year’s,” said Wasem. “They are fine football team. Although they have a 2-3 overall record, they lost to a NCAA Division II team and two teams that are ranked inside the top 12 in NAIA. Their three losses aren’t any indication at where they are at right now. It will be extremely competitive to say the least.”
(October 2, 2006)
Homecoming game preview
By Cody Dalton
The UVA-Wise football team will play in the traditional homecoming football game this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Cumberland University.
The Highland Cavaliers are coming into the game 3-0, while outscoring their opponents 141-68. The game is not only regarded as the homecoming game, but as the Mid-South Conference opening game for the Cavaliers football team. The Cavaliers homecoming opponent, Cumberland University, is coming into the game against the Cavaliers with a 1-1 record. The games they won and lost were both by a margin of 7 points, which could only mean that the Cavaliers will have a tough task coming Saturday.
“It is a big game for us,” said Coach Bruce Wasem. “This game starts the Mid-South Conference schedule. This will be a game where we have to prove ourselves in. Last year, we fell on our faces and it was a game we should have won.”
The Cavaliers are having success at throwing the ball to set up the running game. Last week against Southern Virginia, running back Ra’Shad Morgan had 5 rushing touchdowns because of how well the passing game works with rushing the football. Cavalier quarterbacks Randy Hippeard and Brad Robbins both had passing touchdowns as well for the Cavaliers.
“We are so balanced offensively that we could go either way,” said Coach Bruce Wasem. “If a team can stop us from running the football, we can beat them by passing. That makes us extremely difficult to defend.”
The Cavaliers and Cumberland University have also split their only 10 meetings, with a 5-5 record for each team. A win this Saturday for the Cavaliers would also equal their greatest start since 1996, when the team went undefeated, with a 10-0 record.
“We would like to be undefeated,” said Coach Wasem. “We have to get to 4-0 first and then take it one week at a time.”
“Last year we went down to Cumberland and took an early 21-0 lead,” said Cavaliers quarterback Randy Hippeard. “We got too comfortable and they ended up fighting back and winning the football game. We have to come out this game and fight to the final whistle.”
In anticipation of the game on Saturday, a pep rally will be held the Friday before the game at the annual “Red and Grey” Day. For those that wish to see the UVA-Wise vs. Cumberland University, you can catch the Cavaliers homecoming game this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium.
(September 18, 2006)
By Cody Dalton
The UVA-Wise football team will play in the traditional homecoming football game this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against Cumberland University.
The Highland Cavaliers are coming into the game 3-0, while outscoring their opponents 141-68. The game is not only regarded as the homecoming game, but as the Mid-South Conference opening game for the Cavaliers football team. The Cavaliers homecoming opponent, Cumberland University, is coming into the game against the Cavaliers with a 1-1 record. The games they won and lost were both by a margin of 7 points, which could only mean that the Cavaliers will have a tough task coming Saturday.
“It is a big game for us,” said Coach Bruce Wasem. “This game starts the Mid-South Conference schedule. This will be a game where we have to prove ourselves in. Last year, we fell on our faces and it was a game we should have won.”
The Cavaliers are having success at throwing the ball to set up the running game. Last week against Southern Virginia, running back Ra’Shad Morgan had 5 rushing touchdowns because of how well the passing game works with rushing the football. Cavalier quarterbacks Randy Hippeard and Brad Robbins both had passing touchdowns as well for the Cavaliers.
“We are so balanced offensively that we could go either way,” said Coach Bruce Wasem. “If a team can stop us from running the football, we can beat them by passing. That makes us extremely difficult to defend.”
The Cavaliers and Cumberland University have also split their only 10 meetings, with a 5-5 record for each team. A win this Saturday for the Cavaliers would also equal their greatest start since 1996, when the team went undefeated, with a 10-0 record.
“We would like to be undefeated,” said Coach Wasem. “We have to get to 4-0 first and then take it one week at a time.”
“Last year we went down to Cumberland and took an early 21-0 lead,” said Cavaliers quarterback Randy Hippeard. “We got too comfortable and they ended up fighting back and winning the football game. We have to come out this game and fight to the final whistle.”
In anticipation of the game on Saturday, a pep rally will be held the Friday before the game at the annual “Red and Grey” Day. For those that wish to see the UVA-Wise vs. Cumberland University, you can catch the Cavaliers homecoming game this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium.
(September 18, 2006)
Cavaliers prepare for Southern Virginia
By Cody Dalton
The UVA-Wise Cavalier football team opened up the season with an impressive mark of 2-0 and look to keep that mark going with a win against Southern Virginia this weekend.
In the Cavaliers previous two games, they defeated their opponents with a combined 92-55 score (44-20 against Brevard, 48-35 against North Greenville). They have also shown great sparks on offense, with a balanced running and passing game. The Cavaliers have also found great strides on the defensive side of the ball. These two attacks were rewarded last week with MSC (Mid-South Conference honors. Ra’Shad Morgan received the Offensive Player of the Week and Reggie Dorsainvil earned Defensive Player of the Week. If the Cavaliers expect to win, they need to keep up this hard-working effort.
Last year, the Cavaliers defeated Southern Virginia, 24-21, in a nail-biting finish. Every play seemed key to the overall outcome of that game. Quarterback Randy Hippeard believes that the team needs to continue to play the entire game.
“This week, we have to come out ready to play,” said Cavaliers quarterback Randy Hippeard. “We don’t need to let up until the clock reads zero.”
So will the Cavaliers reach a 3-0 mark? Will the balanced attack of offense and defense be enough to stop Southern Virginia in their tracks? You can find out this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium.
(September 13, 2006)
By Cody Dalton
The UVA-Wise Cavalier football team opened up the season with an impressive mark of 2-0 and look to keep that mark going with a win against Southern Virginia this weekend.
In the Cavaliers previous two games, they defeated their opponents with a combined 92-55 score (44-20 against Brevard, 48-35 against North Greenville). They have also shown great sparks on offense, with a balanced running and passing game. The Cavaliers have also found great strides on the defensive side of the ball. These two attacks were rewarded last week with MSC (Mid-South Conference honors. Ra’Shad Morgan received the Offensive Player of the Week and Reggie Dorsainvil earned Defensive Player of the Week. If the Cavaliers expect to win, they need to keep up this hard-working effort.
Last year, the Cavaliers defeated Southern Virginia, 24-21, in a nail-biting finish. Every play seemed key to the overall outcome of that game. Quarterback Randy Hippeard believes that the team needs to continue to play the entire game.
“This week, we have to come out ready to play,” said Cavaliers quarterback Randy Hippeard. “We don’t need to let up until the clock reads zero.”
So will the Cavaliers reach a 3-0 mark? Will the balanced attack of offense and defense be enough to stop Southern Virginia in their tracks? You can find out this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium.
(September 13, 2006)
Cavs offense a united family
By Cody Dalton
Abraham Lincoln once said in a famous speech, “United we stand, divided we fall”.
This very same motto holds true with the offense of the UVA-Wise Highland Cavalier football team.
On Oct. 21, the Cavs landed a 52-38 victory of Pikeville College, their first win over Pikeville in five seasons. That victory gave the Cavs a 6-2 record on the season, the most wins the team has had since 2001, when the Cavaliers went 6-4. The real reason for this vaunted success is the family that the UVA-Wise players have created on offensive side of the ball.
“We are always there to pick each other up when any of us gets down,” said Kendon Doe, a sophomore wide receiver for the Cavs. “We all understand that we are here as a team and not as individuals. We all have a role that we must play and that is why we are a good team.”
Doe, a Business Administration major, has become the favorite target of quarterback Randy Hippeard, with 44 catches for 723 yards and seven touchdowns, in a balanced offense that leads the country in total offense in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
“I feel like we are a close family on the offensive side of the ball,” said sophomore quarterback Randy Hippeard. “We wouldn’t be able to do any of it without the five guys upfront busting their tails on every play to let us get the yards we do. I think most of our success on offense comes a lot from us being such a close group.”
The Cavs have seemed to develop their chemistry not only on the practice field and in game situations, but off the field in their own social atmosphere, that enables them to get closer to one another and become an even better cohesive unit.
“I love my relationship with the guys,” said junior running back Ra’Shad Morgan, the team’s leading rusher. “We are all a pretty tight-knit group. We trust each other on the field and outside of football we hang out a lot.”
Because of the on and off-field chemistry that the team has developed, along with a mounted passing and running game, the Cavaliers have become an extremely dangerous team for opposing defenses to try and stop.
“We like to call ourselves the four headed monster just for fun,” said freshman wide receiver Matt Barbour, when talking about his relationship with fellow teammates Herb Watson, Randy Hippeard, and Kendon Doe.
“We always work with Randy to find better ways to run routes and get off the ball. We are like brothers on the team.”
Because of the chemistry that the team holds, Morgan and Hippeard have been able to attain personal success. Hippeard has thrown for over 2,400 yards and Morgan broke the 1,000 yard mark on Oct. 14 against Shorter (Ga.). Hippeard recently broke the Cavaliers single game passing mark against Pikeville with a 439 yard, five touchdown passing performance.
In the running game, Morgan needs 13 more touchdowns in just three games to tie the NAIA record for touchdowns in a season. That record is held by Jo Jo Jones of Lambuth (TN.) and Roger Butler of Tabor (KS.), who both had 32 touchdowns in their respective seasons. Jones set the record in 1994, while Butler tied it 2005.
“While personal records are nice to have, I try not to get too caught up in them,” said Morgan. “I am happy as long as the team is winning games.”
It is safe to say that the team unity that has been established on offense, as well as the selfless attitude that the entire team has taken, has allowed the Cavaliers to flourish on the gridiron this season.
“There is no I in this team and there is no ‘M’ or ‘E’ in victory,” said Doe. “We have a good team and we hope to go even further than last year, and most importantly, have a lot of fun at the same time.”
(October 23, 2006)
By Cody Dalton
Abraham Lincoln once said in a famous speech, “United we stand, divided we fall”.
This very same motto holds true with the offense of the UVA-Wise Highland Cavalier football team.
On Oct. 21, the Cavs landed a 52-38 victory of Pikeville College, their first win over Pikeville in five seasons. That victory gave the Cavs a 6-2 record on the season, the most wins the team has had since 2001, when the Cavaliers went 6-4. The real reason for this vaunted success is the family that the UVA-Wise players have created on offensive side of the ball.
“We are always there to pick each other up when any of us gets down,” said Kendon Doe, a sophomore wide receiver for the Cavs. “We all understand that we are here as a team and not as individuals. We all have a role that we must play and that is why we are a good team.”
Doe, a Business Administration major, has become the favorite target of quarterback Randy Hippeard, with 44 catches for 723 yards and seven touchdowns, in a balanced offense that leads the country in total offense in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
“I feel like we are a close family on the offensive side of the ball,” said sophomore quarterback Randy Hippeard. “We wouldn’t be able to do any of it without the five guys upfront busting their tails on every play to let us get the yards we do. I think most of our success on offense comes a lot from us being such a close group.”
The Cavs have seemed to develop their chemistry not only on the practice field and in game situations, but off the field in their own social atmosphere, that enables them to get closer to one another and become an even better cohesive unit.
“I love my relationship with the guys,” said junior running back Ra’Shad Morgan, the team’s leading rusher. “We are all a pretty tight-knit group. We trust each other on the field and outside of football we hang out a lot.”
Because of the on and off-field chemistry that the team has developed, along with a mounted passing and running game, the Cavaliers have become an extremely dangerous team for opposing defenses to try and stop.
“We like to call ourselves the four headed monster just for fun,” said freshman wide receiver Matt Barbour, when talking about his relationship with fellow teammates Herb Watson, Randy Hippeard, and Kendon Doe.
“We always work with Randy to find better ways to run routes and get off the ball. We are like brothers on the team.”
Because of the chemistry that the team holds, Morgan and Hippeard have been able to attain personal success. Hippeard has thrown for over 2,400 yards and Morgan broke the 1,000 yard mark on Oct. 14 against Shorter (Ga.). Hippeard recently broke the Cavaliers single game passing mark against Pikeville with a 439 yard, five touchdown passing performance.
In the running game, Morgan needs 13 more touchdowns in just three games to tie the NAIA record for touchdowns in a season. That record is held by Jo Jo Jones of Lambuth (TN.) and Roger Butler of Tabor (KS.), who both had 32 touchdowns in their respective seasons. Jones set the record in 1994, while Butler tied it 2005.
“While personal records are nice to have, I try not to get too caught up in them,” said Morgan. “I am happy as long as the team is winning games.”
It is safe to say that the team unity that has been established on offense, as well as the selfless attitude that the entire team has taken, has allowed the Cavaliers to flourish on the gridiron this season.
“There is no I in this team and there is no ‘M’ or ‘E’ in victory,” said Doe. “We have a good team and we hope to go even further than last year, and most importantly, have a lot of fun at the same time.”
(October 23, 2006)
Burtons’ Crowder and Gate City’s Sheets win singles titles
By CODY DALTON
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
Wise – Tuesday started out extremely rainy and wet, but it finished on a bright note, with Tara Sheets of Gate City and Caleb Crowder of J.I. Burton winning the girls and boys singles tournament titles. Sheets defeated Samantha Rife of Pound, 6-0, 6-0 in the girls final. Crowder defeated Mark Dotson of J.J. Kelly, 6-2, 6-2. These two would later match up in the doubles final as well.
The doubles semifinals and finals also took place on Tuesday. Tara Sheets added to her singles title and won the girls doubles title. She and Krista Jenkins defeated Kayli Bates and Catherine Rigg of J.J. Kelly, 6-1, 6-0. They also defeated Samantha Rife and Kelsey Adkins, 6-2, 6-2. Rife and Adkins advanced to the final by defeating Aceshia Wampler and Sharris Smith, 6-2, 7-5. The boys doubles also had very impressive showings. In the semifinals, Mark Dotson and Wes Sturgill of J.J. Kelly beat Daniel Robinson and Chad Holmes 6-1, 6-2. Also, Caleb Crowder and David Stacy advanced in the final by beating Tyler DeBoard and Andrew Miller, 6-3, 6-4. Those two doubles pairs met in one of the most entertaining matches of the whole tournament. Crowder and Stacy one the first set 6-4, but Dotson and Sturgill of J.J. Kelly would answer back and win the second set in a tiebreaker, 7-6 (8-6). They would continue that momentum and win the final set to capture the boys doubles title. “We’ve been undefeated the whole season,” says Mark Dotson. “Caleb didn’t play the first time. We had to adjust.” Wes Sturgill added, “We did not play bad. Every point counted. It was a tight match.”
Boys Doubles – Second Round
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly beat Daniel Robinson/Chad Holmes, Clintwood, 6-4, 6-3
Caleb Crowder/David Stacy, J.I. Burton beat Tyler DeBoard/Andrew Miller, Gate City, 6-1, 6-4
Boys Doubles – Finals
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly beat Caleb Crowder/David Stacy, J.I. Burton, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2
Girls Doubles – Second Round
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City beat Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg, J.J. Kelly, 6-1, 6-0
Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound beat Aceshia Wampler/Sharris Smith, J.I. Burton, 6-2, 7-5
Girls Doubles – Finals
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City beat Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound, 6-2, 6-2
Boys' Matches
LPD Singles – Finals
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Mark Dotson, J.J. Kelly, 6-2, 6-2
Girls' Matches
LPD Singles – Finals
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Samantha Rife, Pound, 6-0, 6-0
By CODY DALTON
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
Wise – Tuesday started out extremely rainy and wet, but it finished on a bright note, with Tara Sheets of Gate City and Caleb Crowder of J.I. Burton winning the girls and boys singles tournament titles. Sheets defeated Samantha Rife of Pound, 6-0, 6-0 in the girls final. Crowder defeated Mark Dotson of J.J. Kelly, 6-2, 6-2. These two would later match up in the doubles final as well.
The doubles semifinals and finals also took place on Tuesday. Tara Sheets added to her singles title and won the girls doubles title. She and Krista Jenkins defeated Kayli Bates and Catherine Rigg of J.J. Kelly, 6-1, 6-0. They also defeated Samantha Rife and Kelsey Adkins, 6-2, 6-2. Rife and Adkins advanced to the final by defeating Aceshia Wampler and Sharris Smith, 6-2, 7-5. The boys doubles also had very impressive showings. In the semifinals, Mark Dotson and Wes Sturgill of J.J. Kelly beat Daniel Robinson and Chad Holmes 6-1, 6-2. Also, Caleb Crowder and David Stacy advanced in the final by beating Tyler DeBoard and Andrew Miller, 6-3, 6-4. Those two doubles pairs met in one of the most entertaining matches of the whole tournament. Crowder and Stacy one the first set 6-4, but Dotson and Sturgill of J.J. Kelly would answer back and win the second set in a tiebreaker, 7-6 (8-6). They would continue that momentum and win the final set to capture the boys doubles title. “We’ve been undefeated the whole season,” says Mark Dotson. “Caleb didn’t play the first time. We had to adjust.” Wes Sturgill added, “We did not play bad. Every point counted. It was a tight match.”
Boys Doubles – Second Round
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly beat Daniel Robinson/Chad Holmes, Clintwood, 6-4, 6-3
Caleb Crowder/David Stacy, J.I. Burton beat Tyler DeBoard/Andrew Miller, Gate City, 6-1, 6-4
Boys Doubles – Finals
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly beat Caleb Crowder/David Stacy, J.I. Burton, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2
Girls Doubles – Second Round
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City beat Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg, J.J. Kelly, 6-1, 6-0
Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound beat Aceshia Wampler/Sharris Smith, J.I. Burton, 6-2, 7-5
Girls Doubles – Finals
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City beat Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound, 6-2, 6-2
Boys' Matches
LPD Singles – Finals
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Mark Dotson, J.J. Kelly, 6-2, 6-2
Girls' Matches
LPD Singles – Finals
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Samantha Rife, Pound, 6-0, 6-0
LPD Singles and Doubles action begins on UVA-Wise campus
By CODY DALTON
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
Wise – Monday marked and extremely hot day, but it was also a hot day on the courts of the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus, as the college played host to the LPD singles and doubles tournaments. This is the last stop for many on the road to the state championship, with Region D action beginning May 23rd, 24th and 25th. Tara Sheets lost her first game in match in two weeks of action, but still rolled through her first and second round matchups. She defeated Haley Jones of Appalachia, 6-0, 6-0 and won her second round matchup against Kayli Bates as well, 6-1, 6-0. Sheets and Kayli Bates will matchup again in the doubles tournament. Sheets advances to the girls singles final against Samantha Rife of Pound. Rife advanced by beating Chesney Burton of Powell Valley, 6-2, 6-3 and beat Aceshia Wampler of J.I. Burton, 6-3, 6-2.
The boys singles and doubles action also began with first and second round action. Caleb Crowder advanced to the boys’ singles final with wins over Josh Stanley of Pound (6-2, 6-0) and Daniel Robinson of Clintwood (6-1, 6-4). Crowder will meet Mark Dotson of J.J. Kelly, who defeated Mitch Gibson of Coeburn (6-1, 6-0) and Stewart Scales of Powell Valley (6-4, 6-3).
The doubles action in both boys and girls only got to play the first round of games because VHSL rules state that a player on any team can only play a maximum of three matches in one day. The second round matchups are as follows in the boys and girls doubles:
Boys Doubles – Second Round (slated to begin at approximately 5:30)
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly versus Daniel Robinson/Chad Holmes, Clintwood
Tyler DeBoard/Andrew Miller, Gate City versus Caleb Crowder/David Stacey, J.I. Burton
Girls Doubles – Second Round (slated to begin at approximately 5:30)
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City versus Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg, J.J. Kelly
Aceshia Wampler/Sharris Smith, J.I. Burton versus Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound
All of the tennis action will begin tomorrow as the boys and girls play their singles finals at 4:15, followed promptly by the boys and girls doubles semifinals and finals action at approximately 5:30. All action will again be held at the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus.
Boys' Matches
LPD Singles – First Round
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Josh Stanley, Pound, 6-2, 6-0
Daniel Robinson, Clintwood beat Tyler DeBoard, Gate City, 6-2, 5-7, 7-5
Stewart Scales, Powell Valley beat David Park, Appalachia, 6-1, 6-0
Mark Dotson, J.J. Kelly beat Mitch Gibson, Coeburn, 6-1, 6-0
LPD Singles - Second Round
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Daniel Robinson, Clintwood, 6-1, 6-4
Mark Dotson, J.J. Kelly beat Stewart Scales, Powell Valley, 6-4, 6-3
LPD Doubles
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly beat David Adkins/Adam Kiser, Appalachia, 6-3, 6-1
Daniel Robinson/Chad Holmes, Clintwood beat Stewart Scales/Michael Rubinette, Powell Valley, 7-5, 6-2
Tyler DeBoard/Andrew Miller, Gate City beat Tanner McCowan/Gerald McCoy, Coeburn, 6-1, 6-2
Caleb Crowder/David Stacey, J.I. Burton beat Josh Stanley/Kane Vanhuss, Pound, 6-1, 6-1
Girls' Matches
LPD Singles – First Round
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Haley Jones, Appalachia, 6-0, 6-0
Kayli Bates, J.J. Kelly beat Ashley McConnell, Coeburn, 6-1, 6-0
Samantha Rife, Pound beat Chesney Burton, Powell Valley, 6-2, 6-3
Aceshia Wampler, J.I. Burton beat Whitney Castle, Clintwood, 6-3, 6-0
LPD Singles – Second Round
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Kayli Bates, J.J. Kelly, 6-1, 6-0
Samantha Rife, Pound beat Aceshia Wampler, J.I. Burton, 6-3, 6-2
LPD Doubles – First Round
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City advance due to forfeit (Appalachia not playing)
Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg, J.J. Kelly beat Whitney Castle/Emili Bevins, Clintwood, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3
Aceshia Wampler/Sharris Smith, J.I. Burton beat Ashley McConnell/Rebekah Adkins, Coeburn, 6-3, 7-5
Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound beat Chesney Burton/Megan Haliburton, Powell Valley, 6-1, 6-0
By CODY DALTON
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
Wise – Monday marked and extremely hot day, but it was also a hot day on the courts of the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus, as the college played host to the LPD singles and doubles tournaments. This is the last stop for many on the road to the state championship, with Region D action beginning May 23rd, 24th and 25th. Tara Sheets lost her first game in match in two weeks of action, but still rolled through her first and second round matchups. She defeated Haley Jones of Appalachia, 6-0, 6-0 and won her second round matchup against Kayli Bates as well, 6-1, 6-0. Sheets and Kayli Bates will matchup again in the doubles tournament. Sheets advances to the girls singles final against Samantha Rife of Pound. Rife advanced by beating Chesney Burton of Powell Valley, 6-2, 6-3 and beat Aceshia Wampler of J.I. Burton, 6-3, 6-2.
The boys singles and doubles action also began with first and second round action. Caleb Crowder advanced to the boys’ singles final with wins over Josh Stanley of Pound (6-2, 6-0) and Daniel Robinson of Clintwood (6-1, 6-4). Crowder will meet Mark Dotson of J.J. Kelly, who defeated Mitch Gibson of Coeburn (6-1, 6-0) and Stewart Scales of Powell Valley (6-4, 6-3).
The doubles action in both boys and girls only got to play the first round of games because VHSL rules state that a player on any team can only play a maximum of three matches in one day. The second round matchups are as follows in the boys and girls doubles:
Boys Doubles – Second Round (slated to begin at approximately 5:30)
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly versus Daniel Robinson/Chad Holmes, Clintwood
Tyler DeBoard/Andrew Miller, Gate City versus Caleb Crowder/David Stacey, J.I. Burton
Girls Doubles – Second Round (slated to begin at approximately 5:30)
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City versus Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg, J.J. Kelly
Aceshia Wampler/Sharris Smith, J.I. Burton versus Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound
All of the tennis action will begin tomorrow as the boys and girls play their singles finals at 4:15, followed promptly by the boys and girls doubles semifinals and finals action at approximately 5:30. All action will again be held at the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus.
Boys' Matches
LPD Singles – First Round
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Josh Stanley, Pound, 6-2, 6-0
Daniel Robinson, Clintwood beat Tyler DeBoard, Gate City, 6-2, 5-7, 7-5
Stewart Scales, Powell Valley beat David Park, Appalachia, 6-1, 6-0
Mark Dotson, J.J. Kelly beat Mitch Gibson, Coeburn, 6-1, 6-0
LPD Singles - Second Round
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Daniel Robinson, Clintwood, 6-1, 6-4
Mark Dotson, J.J. Kelly beat Stewart Scales, Powell Valley, 6-4, 6-3
LPD Doubles
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly beat David Adkins/Adam Kiser, Appalachia, 6-3, 6-1
Daniel Robinson/Chad Holmes, Clintwood beat Stewart Scales/Michael Rubinette, Powell Valley, 7-5, 6-2
Tyler DeBoard/Andrew Miller, Gate City beat Tanner McCowan/Gerald McCoy, Coeburn, 6-1, 6-2
Caleb Crowder/David Stacey, J.I. Burton beat Josh Stanley/Kane Vanhuss, Pound, 6-1, 6-1
Girls' Matches
LPD Singles – First Round
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Haley Jones, Appalachia, 6-0, 6-0
Kayli Bates, J.J. Kelly beat Ashley McConnell, Coeburn, 6-1, 6-0
Samantha Rife, Pound beat Chesney Burton, Powell Valley, 6-2, 6-3
Aceshia Wampler, J.I. Burton beat Whitney Castle, Clintwood, 6-3, 6-0
LPD Singles – Second Round
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Kayli Bates, J.J. Kelly, 6-1, 6-0
Samantha Rife, Pound beat Aceshia Wampler, J.I. Burton, 6-3, 6-2
LPD Doubles – First Round
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City advance due to forfeit (Appalachia not playing)
Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg, J.J. Kelly beat Whitney Castle/Emili Bevins, Clintwood, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3
Aceshia Wampler/Sharris Smith, J.I. Burton beat Ashley McConnell/Rebekah Adkins, Coeburn, 6-3, 7-5
Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound beat Chesney Burton/Megan Haliburton, Powell Valley, 6-1, 6-0
Preview: LPD District Singles and Doubles
By CODY DALTON
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
This Monday, UVA-Wise will again be hosting Lonesome Pine District action for the second straight week, hosting both girls’ and boys’ tennis action in both a singles and doubles tournament. Tara Sheets looks to keep her impressive runs in both singles and doubles, as she and her partner have lost only one match this season. The road to the doubles crown in the LPD gets easier for Sheets and her partner, Krista Jenkins, as they do not compete on Monday because Appalachia forfeit their first round match up. This means that Sheets and Jenkins will advance to play the winner of the Whitney Castle/Emili Bevins and Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg match.
These singles’ and doubles matches are extremely crucial, as the winners will have some slight momentum heading into the Region D tournament, which will be held the 23rd and 24th also at the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus.
Action begins Monday at the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus at 3:45 with boys’ and girls’ singles. Doubles will be followed afterward at approximately 6:30.
Monday’s opening round matches are as follow:
Boys' Matches
LPD Singles
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton vs. Josh Stanley, Pound
Daniel Robinson, Clintwood vs. Tyler DeBoard, Gate City
Stewart Scales, Powell Valley vs. David Park, Appalachia
Mark Dotson, J.J. Kelly vs. Mitch Gibson, Coeburn
LPD Doubles
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly vs. David Adkins/Adam Kiser, Appalachia
Daniel Robinson/Chad Holmes, Clintwood vs. Stewart Scales/Michael Rubinette, Powell Valley
Tyler DeBoard/Andrew Miller, Gate City vs. Aaron Beverly/Gerald McCoy, Coeburn
Caleb Crowder/David Stacey, J.I. Burton vs. Josh Stanley/Kane Vanhuss, Pound
Girls' Matches
LPD Singles
Tara Sheets, Gate City vs. Haley Jones, Appalachia
Kayli Bates, J.J. Kelly vs. Ashley McConnell, Coeburn
Samantha Rife, Pound vs. Chesney Burton, Powell Valley
Aceshia Wampler, J.I. Burton vs. Whitney Castle, Clintwood
LPD Doubles
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City advance due to forfeit (Appalachia not playing)
Whitney Castle/Emili Bevins, Clintwood vs. Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg, J.J. Kelly
Aceshia Wampler/Sharris Smith, J.I. Burton vs. Ashley McConnell/Rebekah Adkins, Coeburn
Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound vs. Chesney Burton/Megan Haliburton, Powell Valley
By CODY DALTON
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
This Monday, UVA-Wise will again be hosting Lonesome Pine District action for the second straight week, hosting both girls’ and boys’ tennis action in both a singles and doubles tournament. Tara Sheets looks to keep her impressive runs in both singles and doubles, as she and her partner have lost only one match this season. The road to the doubles crown in the LPD gets easier for Sheets and her partner, Krista Jenkins, as they do not compete on Monday because Appalachia forfeit their first round match up. This means that Sheets and Jenkins will advance to play the winner of the Whitney Castle/Emili Bevins and Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg match.
These singles’ and doubles matches are extremely crucial, as the winners will have some slight momentum heading into the Region D tournament, which will be held the 23rd and 24th also at the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus.
Action begins Monday at the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus at 3:45 with boys’ and girls’ singles. Doubles will be followed afterward at approximately 6:30.
Monday’s opening round matches are as follow:
Boys' Matches
LPD Singles
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton vs. Josh Stanley, Pound
Daniel Robinson, Clintwood vs. Tyler DeBoard, Gate City
Stewart Scales, Powell Valley vs. David Park, Appalachia
Mark Dotson, J.J. Kelly vs. Mitch Gibson, Coeburn
LPD Doubles
Mark Dotson/Wes Sturgill, J.J. Kelly vs. David Adkins/Adam Kiser, Appalachia
Daniel Robinson/Chad Holmes, Clintwood vs. Stewart Scales/Michael Rubinette, Powell Valley
Tyler DeBoard/Andrew Miller, Gate City vs. Aaron Beverly/Gerald McCoy, Coeburn
Caleb Crowder/David Stacey, J.I. Burton vs. Josh Stanley/Kane Vanhuss, Pound
Girls' Matches
LPD Singles
Tara Sheets, Gate City vs. Haley Jones, Appalachia
Kayli Bates, J.J. Kelly vs. Ashley McConnell, Coeburn
Samantha Rife, Pound vs. Chesney Burton, Powell Valley
Aceshia Wampler, J.I. Burton vs. Whitney Castle, Clintwood
LPD Doubles
Tara Sheets/Krista Jenkins, Gate City advance due to forfeit (Appalachia not playing)
Whitney Castle/Emili Bevins, Clintwood vs. Kayli Bate/Catherine Rigg, J.J. Kelly
Aceshia Wampler/Sharris Smith, J.I. Burton vs. Ashley McConnell/Rebekah Adkins, Coeburn
Samantha Rife/Kelsey Adkins, Pound vs. Chesney Burton/Megan Haliburton, Powell Valley
Gate City girls, J.I. Burton boys win LPD tennis tournaments
By CODY DALTON
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
WISE – Gate City’s Tara Sheets continued her impressive run in the LPD Tournament, as the Gate City Blue Devils girls tennis team won their fourth straight LPD Tournament crown. For the second day in a row, Sheets beat her opponent 6-0, 6-0 and didn’t allow a single point against her in singles competition throughout the tournament. This tournament is the four straight in the Lonesome Pine District and their 10th overall in a row for the Gate City girls. “I would like to commend Pound on how they played. They have improved since we’ve played them,” says Gate City Coach Jennie Gardner. “Our girls played well. It was a hard earned win.” When asked of how playing with a different new doubles partner this year, Tara Sheets says, “She has a different style of play. I like playing with Krista.”
J.I. Burton also locked up the LPD boys Tournament Title for the fourth straight year with incredible performances by Wes Ward and Cruz Redman. “Wes (Ward) and Cruz (Redman) beat guys that were undefeated,” says J.I. Burton Coach Hank Hankins. “We had some good things to build on to Region D Tournament. It was a good all-around effort.”
Wednesday's match results were as follow:
Boys' Matches
J.I. Burton 5, Clintwood 2
Singles
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Daniel Robinson, 6-3, 6-2
Jackson Mullins, Clintwood beat Andrew Hylton, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0
David Stacy, J.I. Burton beat Josh Meade, 6-3, 6-1
Wes Ward, J.I. Burton beat Daniel Vanover, 6-4, 6-1
Jordan Slone, Clintwood beat Cody McElroy, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
Cruz Redman, J.I. Burton beat Cody Swindall, 6-1, 6-4
Doubles
Crowder/Hylton, J.I. Burton beat Robinson/Holmes, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4
Girls' Matches
Gate City 5, Pound 1
Singles
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Samantha Rife, 6-0, 6-0
Krista Jenkins, Gate City beat Kelsey Adkins, 7-5, 6-4
Whitney Bolling, Pound beat Kyndall Wininger, 6-4, 6-4
Mallory Lane, Gate City beat Sydney Bowman, 6-4, 6-2
Kaitlyn Musick, Gate City beat Haley Dale, 6-0, 6-0
Doubles
Sheets/Jenkins, Gate City beat Rife/Adkins, 6-0, 6-0
By CODY DALTON
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
WISE – Gate City’s Tara Sheets continued her impressive run in the LPD Tournament, as the Gate City Blue Devils girls tennis team won their fourth straight LPD Tournament crown. For the second day in a row, Sheets beat her opponent 6-0, 6-0 and didn’t allow a single point against her in singles competition throughout the tournament. This tournament is the four straight in the Lonesome Pine District and their 10th overall in a row for the Gate City girls. “I would like to commend Pound on how they played. They have improved since we’ve played them,” says Gate City Coach Jennie Gardner. “Our girls played well. It was a hard earned win.” When asked of how playing with a different new doubles partner this year, Tara Sheets says, “She has a different style of play. I like playing with Krista.”
J.I. Burton also locked up the LPD boys Tournament Title for the fourth straight year with incredible performances by Wes Ward and Cruz Redman. “Wes (Ward) and Cruz (Redman) beat guys that were undefeated,” says J.I. Burton Coach Hank Hankins. “We had some good things to build on to Region D Tournament. It was a good all-around effort.”
Wednesday's match results were as follow:
Boys' Matches
J.I. Burton 5, Clintwood 2
Singles
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Daniel Robinson, 6-3, 6-2
Jackson Mullins, Clintwood beat Andrew Hylton, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0
David Stacy, J.I. Burton beat Josh Meade, 6-3, 6-1
Wes Ward, J.I. Burton beat Daniel Vanover, 6-4, 6-1
Jordan Slone, Clintwood beat Cody McElroy, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
Cruz Redman, J.I. Burton beat Cody Swindall, 6-1, 6-4
Doubles
Crowder/Hylton, J.I. Burton beat Robinson/Holmes, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4
Girls' Matches
Gate City 5, Pound 1
Singles
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Samantha Rife, 6-0, 6-0
Krista Jenkins, Gate City beat Kelsey Adkins, 7-5, 6-4
Whitney Bolling, Pound beat Kyndall Wininger, 6-4, 6-4
Mallory Lane, Gate City beat Sydney Bowman, 6-4, 6-2
Kaitlyn Musick, Gate City beat Haley Dale, 6-0, 6-0
Doubles
Sheets/Jenkins, Gate City beat Rife/Adkins, 6-0, 6-0
Sheets stays hot as Gate City girls advance to LPD Final
By CODY DALTION
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
WISE -- Sophomore Tara Sheets rolled through her LPD Tournament match, as the Gate City girls tennis team defeated J.J. Kelly, five games to none on Tuesday. Sheets impressively defeated J.J. Kelly’s Kayli Bates, 6-0, 6-0 in their Semifinal match. Gate City has advanced to the finals and will play the Pound girls tennis team on Wednesday. “We have done well,” says Gate City Coach Jenny Gardner. “We lost four players last year, so we have four new players in our top six this year. They are doing well together.” When asked about the possibility at three state titles in a row, Coach Gardner said, “It would be great to win state three years in a row. It would be a pleasant surprise.”
The boys teams also had great matches, as J.I. Burton defeated J.J. Kelly, five matches to zero and Clintwood beat Coeburn, five matches to zero. Wes Ward, a member of the J.I. Burton boys team, won his match 6-0, 6-0 against Justin South. “Wes has come up big for us,” says J.I. Burton Coach Hank Hankins. “He has stepped up when people have been injured. We need to continue to help each other.” Burton will meet Clintwood for the LPD crown on Wednesday. “Winning the tournament would be a big springboard into the regionals and hopefully into state,” says Coach Hankins. The boys and girls finals matches will be played at 4:15 pm at the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus.
Tuesday's match results were as follow:
Boys' Matches
J.I. Burton 5, J.J. Kelly 0
Singles
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Mark Dotson, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0
Andrew Hylton, J.I. Burton beat Wes Sturgill, 6-2, 6-3
David Stacy, J.I. Burton beat Josh Darter, 6-4, 6-3
Wes Ward, J.I. Burton beat Justin South, 6-0, 6-0
Cody McElroy, J.I. Burton beat Mark Collins, 6-0, 6-1
Clintwood 5, Coeburn 0
Singles
Daniel Robinson, Clintwood beat Mitch Gibson, 6-0, 6-1
Jackson Mullins, Clintwood beat Aaron Beverly, 6-2, 6-2
Chad Holmes, Clintwood beat Gerald McCoy, 6-0, 6-2
Daniel Vanover, Clintwood beat Michael Sexton, 6-1, 6-2
Cody Swindall, Clintwood beat Jake Elkins, 6-1, 6-0
Girls' Matches
Gate City 5, J.J. Kelly 0
Singles
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Kayli Bates, 6-0, 6-0
Krista Jenkins, Gate City beat Lindsey Cantrell, 6-0, 6-3
Kyndall Wininger, Gate City beat Catherine Rigg, 6-3, 6-2
Mallory Lane, Gate City beat Jessica Lawson, 6-1, 6-1
Kaitlyn Musick, Gate City beat Morgan Meade, 6-1, 6-0
Pound 5, J.I. Burton 2
Singles
Samantha Rife, Pound beat Aceshia Wampler, 6-1, 6-4
Kelsey Adkins, Pound beat Sharris Smith, 6-0, 6-1
Whitney Bolling, Pound beat Brittney Sarber, 6-0, 6-2
Rachel Wolfe, J.I. Burton beat Sydney Bowman, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3
Megan Boggs, Pound beat Ashleigh Hunnicutt, 6-3, 6-0
Haley Dale, J.I. Burton beat Kristina Bolling, 6-0, 6-3
Doubles
Rife/Adkins, Pound beat Wampler/Smith, 6-1, 6-2
By CODY DALTION
TRICITIESSPORTS.COM
WISE -- Sophomore Tara Sheets rolled through her LPD Tournament match, as the Gate City girls tennis team defeated J.J. Kelly, five games to none on Tuesday. Sheets impressively defeated J.J. Kelly’s Kayli Bates, 6-0, 6-0 in their Semifinal match. Gate City has advanced to the finals and will play the Pound girls tennis team on Wednesday. “We have done well,” says Gate City Coach Jenny Gardner. “We lost four players last year, so we have four new players in our top six this year. They are doing well together.” When asked about the possibility at three state titles in a row, Coach Gardner said, “It would be great to win state three years in a row. It would be a pleasant surprise.”
The boys teams also had great matches, as J.I. Burton defeated J.J. Kelly, five matches to zero and Clintwood beat Coeburn, five matches to zero. Wes Ward, a member of the J.I. Burton boys team, won his match 6-0, 6-0 against Justin South. “Wes has come up big for us,” says J.I. Burton Coach Hank Hankins. “He has stepped up when people have been injured. We need to continue to help each other.” Burton will meet Clintwood for the LPD crown on Wednesday. “Winning the tournament would be a big springboard into the regionals and hopefully into state,” says Coach Hankins. The boys and girls finals matches will be played at 4:15 pm at the Humphreys Tennis Complex on the UVA-Wise campus.
Tuesday's match results were as follow:
Boys' Matches
J.I. Burton 5, J.J. Kelly 0
Singles
Caleb Crowder, J.I. Burton beat Mark Dotson, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0
Andrew Hylton, J.I. Burton beat Wes Sturgill, 6-2, 6-3
David Stacy, J.I. Burton beat Josh Darter, 6-4, 6-3
Wes Ward, J.I. Burton beat Justin South, 6-0, 6-0
Cody McElroy, J.I. Burton beat Mark Collins, 6-0, 6-1
Clintwood 5, Coeburn 0
Singles
Daniel Robinson, Clintwood beat Mitch Gibson, 6-0, 6-1
Jackson Mullins, Clintwood beat Aaron Beverly, 6-2, 6-2
Chad Holmes, Clintwood beat Gerald McCoy, 6-0, 6-2
Daniel Vanover, Clintwood beat Michael Sexton, 6-1, 6-2
Cody Swindall, Clintwood beat Jake Elkins, 6-1, 6-0
Girls' Matches
Gate City 5, J.J. Kelly 0
Singles
Tara Sheets, Gate City beat Kayli Bates, 6-0, 6-0
Krista Jenkins, Gate City beat Lindsey Cantrell, 6-0, 6-3
Kyndall Wininger, Gate City beat Catherine Rigg, 6-3, 6-2
Mallory Lane, Gate City beat Jessica Lawson, 6-1, 6-1
Kaitlyn Musick, Gate City beat Morgan Meade, 6-1, 6-0
Pound 5, J.I. Burton 2
Singles
Samantha Rife, Pound beat Aceshia Wampler, 6-1, 6-4
Kelsey Adkins, Pound beat Sharris Smith, 6-0, 6-1
Whitney Bolling, Pound beat Brittney Sarber, 6-0, 6-2
Rachel Wolfe, J.I. Burton beat Sydney Bowman, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3
Megan Boggs, Pound beat Ashleigh Hunnicutt, 6-3, 6-0
Haley Dale, J.I. Burton beat Kristina Bolling, 6-0, 6-3
Doubles
Rife/Adkins, Pound beat Wampler/Smith, 6-1, 6-2
Mohr Fires On All Cylinders as South beats Powell Valley, 11-1
By CODY DALTON
TricitiesSports.com
It was a career day for Sullivan South pitcher Dustin Mohr, as he went 3-4 with a grand slam and 4 RBI’s as the Sullivan South Rebels (17-18) crushed the Powell Valley Vikings, 11-1 at Buster Taylor Field. “We all hit the ball good today and made no errors. That was the difference for us in this game,” said Mohr, whose team improved one win to being at .500. Mohrs’ grand slam came with three on in the top of the second and also had a single and a double. Not only did Mohr have a awesome day hitting the ball, but he also pitched a great game. He pitched a complete game, allowing one run off of four hits and struck out three. Powell Valley’s Cody Zirkle had a tough outing. He gave up six runs on six hits in 1 1/3 innings, including Mohr’s grand slam. “I try to influence the fact that there has only been one team with a losing record in the history of Sullivan South baseball,” says Sullivan South coach Anthony Richardson. “It motivates the team to try their best to win.”
Sullivan South will play it next game against Unaka on Wednesday. South has already beaten Unaka this year, 11-1. The team will try to even its’ mark at 18-18 and not become the second team in the history of Sullivan South baseball history to have a record below .500. It will mark a special game too, as it will be the last for the seniors on the team. “It’s bad to see these kids go,” says Richardson. “I’ve had most of them 3-4 years. Senior night is one that will be special.”
Starting Pitchers –
Sullivan South – Dustin Mohr
Powell Valley – Cody Zirkle
Starting Catchers –
Sullivan South – Scott Daniels
Powell Valley – Ethan Lopez
Sullivan South -
WP– Dustin Mohr, 5.0 IP, 3 K, 1 ER, 4 Hits
Powell Valley -
LP– Cody Zirkle, 1.1 IP, 2 K, 6 ER, 6 Hits
Brian Murphy, 1.2 IP, 1 K, 5 ER, 5 Hits
Ethan Lopez, 2.0 IP, 1 K, 0 ER, 0 Hits
HR – Dustin Mohr, 3 on in the 2nd
Linescore
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th R H E
Sullivan South – 0….7….4….0….0 11 11 0
Powell Valley – 0….1….0….0….0 1 4 0
By CODY DALTON
TricitiesSports.com
It was a career day for Sullivan South pitcher Dustin Mohr, as he went 3-4 with a grand slam and 4 RBI’s as the Sullivan South Rebels (17-18) crushed the Powell Valley Vikings, 11-1 at Buster Taylor Field. “We all hit the ball good today and made no errors. That was the difference for us in this game,” said Mohr, whose team improved one win to being at .500. Mohrs’ grand slam came with three on in the top of the second and also had a single and a double. Not only did Mohr have a awesome day hitting the ball, but he also pitched a great game. He pitched a complete game, allowing one run off of four hits and struck out three. Powell Valley’s Cody Zirkle had a tough outing. He gave up six runs on six hits in 1 1/3 innings, including Mohr’s grand slam. “I try to influence the fact that there has only been one team with a losing record in the history of Sullivan South baseball,” says Sullivan South coach Anthony Richardson. “It motivates the team to try their best to win.”
Sullivan South will play it next game against Unaka on Wednesday. South has already beaten Unaka this year, 11-1. The team will try to even its’ mark at 18-18 and not become the second team in the history of Sullivan South baseball history to have a record below .500. It will mark a special game too, as it will be the last for the seniors on the team. “It’s bad to see these kids go,” says Richardson. “I’ve had most of them 3-4 years. Senior night is one that will be special.”
Starting Pitchers –
Sullivan South – Dustin Mohr
Powell Valley – Cody Zirkle
Starting Catchers –
Sullivan South – Scott Daniels
Powell Valley – Ethan Lopez
Sullivan South -
WP– Dustin Mohr, 5.0 IP, 3 K, 1 ER, 4 Hits
Powell Valley -
LP– Cody Zirkle, 1.1 IP, 2 K, 6 ER, 6 Hits
Brian Murphy, 1.2 IP, 1 K, 5 ER, 5 Hits
Ethan Lopez, 2.0 IP, 1 K, 0 ER, 0 Hits
HR – Dustin Mohr, 3 on in the 2nd
Linescore
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th R H E
Sullivan South – 0….7….4….0….0 11 11 0
Powell Valley – 0….1….0….0….0 1 4 0
Cavaliers win 65-59 in Gemmell’s finale
By Cody Dalton
On what was a snowy day in Wise, Virginia, the UVA-Wise basketball team was rained on Bryan’s victory parade, winning 65-59, in what was point guard Parker Gemmell’s final home game. Early through the first quarter of the game, scoring was tight. Layups by both Parker Gemmell and Zydrunas Rackauskas kept the early portion of the game extremely close. Three pointers by both Parker Gemmell and Joey Blackwell helped give UVA-Wise an early 4 point lead. Several plays later, Bryan College would build the momentum and a three by #22 of the Bryan College would give them a 2-point lead, but Gemmell would have an answer. Gemmell would drive and hit a lay-up to tie the game, 21-21. A lay-up and 2 free throws by Zydrunas, the game would still be tied, 23-23. The first half would end 27-25, with Blackwell and Zydrunas leading the way with 6 points a piece.
The second half of the game would stay just as close as the first. Key plays were a must for both teams, with UVA-Wise connecting on two key threes. This would give the Cavaliers the early advantage, 37-33. Joey Blackwell would connect on two more threes, giving UVA-Wise a 43-35 lead at the 12:35 point in the 2nd half. The Cavaliers would hold this lead until Bryan College mounted a comeback to bring the game to 45-42 with 8:20 remaining in the ball game. Both teams lost out opportunities to score, but both teams continued to keep pace with each other. With 4:12 left in the game, the Cavaliers led 51-49. Joey Blackwell would once again deliver from three, giving UVA-Wise the 54-49 led late in the 4th quarter. Wise would keep the game in check, but Bryan would connect on a key three with 2:45 remaining the bring the game to 57-53, UVA-Wise still leading. With seconds winding down in the game, the Cavaliers maintained the momentum and possession to win 65-59. Junior Joey Blackwell had a career-high 19 points for the Cavaliers, as Gemmell added 14 points in his home curtain call. “It was a good win for our team,” said Blackwell. “It was good to get Parker a win in his last game.”
This game marked the last home game in Parker Gemmell’s college basketball career for UVA-Wise. “You want to savor every moment in a situation like this,” said Gemmell about playing in his last game. “I couldn’t have asked for a better scenario.” The Cavaliers improved to 11-17 overall and 7-11 in the AAC. They will now travel to Virginia Intermont and King College before playing in the AAC Tournament.
By Cody Dalton
On what was a snowy day in Wise, Virginia, the UVA-Wise basketball team was rained on Bryan’s victory parade, winning 65-59, in what was point guard Parker Gemmell’s final home game. Early through the first quarter of the game, scoring was tight. Layups by both Parker Gemmell and Zydrunas Rackauskas kept the early portion of the game extremely close. Three pointers by both Parker Gemmell and Joey Blackwell helped give UVA-Wise an early 4 point lead. Several plays later, Bryan College would build the momentum and a three by #22 of the Bryan College would give them a 2-point lead, but Gemmell would have an answer. Gemmell would drive and hit a lay-up to tie the game, 21-21. A lay-up and 2 free throws by Zydrunas, the game would still be tied, 23-23. The first half would end 27-25, with Blackwell and Zydrunas leading the way with 6 points a piece.
The second half of the game would stay just as close as the first. Key plays were a must for both teams, with UVA-Wise connecting on two key threes. This would give the Cavaliers the early advantage, 37-33. Joey Blackwell would connect on two more threes, giving UVA-Wise a 43-35 lead at the 12:35 point in the 2nd half. The Cavaliers would hold this lead until Bryan College mounted a comeback to bring the game to 45-42 with 8:20 remaining in the ball game. Both teams lost out opportunities to score, but both teams continued to keep pace with each other. With 4:12 left in the game, the Cavaliers led 51-49. Joey Blackwell would once again deliver from three, giving UVA-Wise the 54-49 led late in the 4th quarter. Wise would keep the game in check, but Bryan would connect on a key three with 2:45 remaining the bring the game to 57-53, UVA-Wise still leading. With seconds winding down in the game, the Cavaliers maintained the momentum and possession to win 65-59. Junior Joey Blackwell had a career-high 19 points for the Cavaliers, as Gemmell added 14 points in his home curtain call. “It was a good win for our team,” said Blackwell. “It was good to get Parker a win in his last game.”
This game marked the last home game in Parker Gemmell’s college basketball career for UVA-Wise. “You want to savor every moment in a situation like this,” said Gemmell about playing in his last game. “I couldn’t have asked for a better scenario.” The Cavaliers improved to 11-17 overall and 7-11 in the AAC. They will now travel to Virginia Intermont and King College before playing in the AAC Tournament.
Utah’s Smith and Cal’s Rodgers among top at NFL Draft
By: Cody Dalton
This weekend is special for many NFL teams, as the NFL draft approaches. The teams that played poorly last year are looking for that marquee player to get their team into Superbowl contention within the next few years of the player’s development. This year’s draft also marks a first, as the San Francisco 49ers has the first pick in the draft for the first time in the team’s history, after a terrible 2-14 season. San Francisco is looking for a young quarterback that will guide their team, after the tried and failed with quarterback’s Ken Dorsey and Tim Rattay, who were a combined 321 for 551 passes and had 16 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. The likely pick for San Francisco is California’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whom the 49ers are severely impressed with. Rodgers, who gained 5,805 total yards while at California, finished his Cal career with 5,469 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. If the 49ers do not draft Rodgers, the next likely pick in the draft is Utah’s quarterback Alex Smith, who is coming off a tremendous season in which he completed 213 of 317 passes for 2952 yards and 32 touchdowns. Although the 49ers will probably draft a quarterback, the best and most athletic player in the 2005 NFL Draft is that of USC wide receiver Mike Williams. Williams, a player that would have been drafted last year had a federal court decided to let underclassmen enter the NFL Draft, is one if not the best player in this year’s draft. Williams, a 6’5” wide receiver, caught 95 passes for 1,314, averaged 13.6 yards a catch and had 16 touchdown grabs for the Trojans. Also, University of Virginia’s Junior Tight End Heath Miller looks to be drafted in the late first round, probably by the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick 30. Miller had All-American Honors his Junior season for UVA.
Here is my Top 5 in the Draft:
1. WR Mike Williams, 6’5”, University of Southern Cal
2. RB Cedric Benson, 5’11”, University of Texas
3. WR Braylon Edwards, 6’3”, University of Michigan
4. RB Carnell Williams, 5’11”, University of Auburn
5. QB Aaron Rodgers, 6’2”, University of California
The Sans Francisco 49ers have the first pick, followed by the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You can watch your favorite team draft new players on Saturday and Sunday on ESPN and ESPN2.
By: Cody Dalton
This weekend is special for many NFL teams, as the NFL draft approaches. The teams that played poorly last year are looking for that marquee player to get their team into Superbowl contention within the next few years of the player’s development. This year’s draft also marks a first, as the San Francisco 49ers has the first pick in the draft for the first time in the team’s history, after a terrible 2-14 season. San Francisco is looking for a young quarterback that will guide their team, after the tried and failed with quarterback’s Ken Dorsey and Tim Rattay, who were a combined 321 for 551 passes and had 16 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. The likely pick for San Francisco is California’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whom the 49ers are severely impressed with. Rodgers, who gained 5,805 total yards while at California, finished his Cal career with 5,469 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. If the 49ers do not draft Rodgers, the next likely pick in the draft is Utah’s quarterback Alex Smith, who is coming off a tremendous season in which he completed 213 of 317 passes for 2952 yards and 32 touchdowns. Although the 49ers will probably draft a quarterback, the best and most athletic player in the 2005 NFL Draft is that of USC wide receiver Mike Williams. Williams, a player that would have been drafted last year had a federal court decided to let underclassmen enter the NFL Draft, is one if not the best player in this year’s draft. Williams, a 6’5” wide receiver, caught 95 passes for 1,314, averaged 13.6 yards a catch and had 16 touchdown grabs for the Trojans. Also, University of Virginia’s Junior Tight End Heath Miller looks to be drafted in the late first round, probably by the Pittsburgh Steelers at pick 30. Miller had All-American Honors his Junior season for UVA.
Here is my Top 5 in the Draft:
1. WR Mike Williams, 6’5”, University of Southern Cal
2. RB Cedric Benson, 5’11”, University of Texas
3. WR Braylon Edwards, 6’3”, University of Michigan
4. RB Carnell Williams, 5’11”, University of Auburn
5. QB Aaron Rodgers, 6’2”, University of California
The Sans Francisco 49ers have the first pick, followed by the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. You can watch your favorite team draft new players on Saturday and Sunday on ESPN and ESPN2.
Jerry Rice retires after 20 year career
By Cody Dalton
On September 5, 2005, Jerry Rice ended his 20 year football legacy and left the game that he loves so much. “I think that it is time for me,” said the 42-year old Rice at his final news conference. “I am done and looking forward to the next phase of my life now.” Rice decided to retire after the Denver Broncos decided not to use him as the third-string wide receiver. Rice is one of the greatest, if not the greatest NFL player of all-time. Rice has many records that will never be broken, but as the old saying goes, “records are made to be broken”. Here is just a sample of the 38 NFL records he holds: 22,895 receiving yards, 1,549 receptions, 197 receiving touchdowns, and 274 consecutive games with at least one catch. Rice was also a member of three Super Bowl Champion teams, all coming with the San Francisco 49ers. Rice was also a 13-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. He was a true gem in the game and will be missed on the gridiron.
By Cody Dalton
On September 5, 2005, Jerry Rice ended his 20 year football legacy and left the game that he loves so much. “I think that it is time for me,” said the 42-year old Rice at his final news conference. “I am done and looking forward to the next phase of my life now.” Rice decided to retire after the Denver Broncos decided not to use him as the third-string wide receiver. Rice is one of the greatest, if not the greatest NFL player of all-time. Rice has many records that will never be broken, but as the old saying goes, “records are made to be broken”. Here is just a sample of the 38 NFL records he holds: 22,895 receiving yards, 1,549 receptions, 197 receiving touchdowns, and 274 consecutive games with at least one catch. Rice was also a member of three Super Bowl Champion teams, all coming with the San Francisco 49ers. Rice was also a 13-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. He was a true gem in the game and will be missed on the gridiron.
My Sports Writing
I created this blog to try and showcase my writing work in hopes of landing a job in the sports writing industry. I'll start with my earliest work and work my way up to the newest work. So here we go...
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